Born in Lafayette and raised in St. Martinville, I am a Cajun in heart, mind and spirit. I dove into the news industry with my start at my hometown newspaper where I picked up some journalistic skills. I earned a degree in mass communications at UL Lafayette which prepared me for covering news in Acadiana and around the state. As a news reporter for KPEL, my news beats include, but are not limited to, Lafayette Consolidated Government and the Lafayette Parish School Board. Jumping from print media to broadcast has been an exciting move for me in the ever-changing multimedia environment of today's news world. When not covering news, I can often be found playing guitar or cooking at home, both usually being done with my daughter, Jolie, very near by.
Derek Albert
St. Martin Deputy Arrested On Sex Charges With A Juvenile
A St. Martin Parish Deputy and former school resource officer, Michael Barber, was arrested after an investigation leads to multiple sex abuse charges.
Jindal Announces A Handful Of Political Appointments
Jindal announced several appointments to state boards and commissions today.
Investigators Seeking Lafayette Arsonist
An early-morning fire in Lafayette leads investigators to believe an arsonist is responsible for the extensive damage.
Former Kinder Police Chief Pleads Guilty To Malfeasance
Gary Pelican pleads guilty to malfeasance and theft over $1,500.
Consumers Beware: PC Malware Now Aimed At Smart Phones, Mobile Devices
The Acadiana Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a scam targeting smartphones and other mobile devices.
A Screwdriver Was The Weapon Of Choice For Glenmora Man
Stoney Smith of Glenmora booked into Rapides Parish jail for aggravated second degree battery.
The One Acadiana Business Organization Announces New Appointees
Local business organization appoints internal employees, and one new hire, to new positions.
Lake Charles Man Reacts Strangely To Sexual Abuse Charges
Marlin Demouchet receives stitches after self-inflicted injury during sexual abuse questioning.
Two Arrested In Scott For Multiple Drug Charges
Scott police confiscate cocaine and marijuana in a routine traffic stop last Friday.
Louisiana’s Workers’ Compensation Costs Eyed In Latest Audit
The state legislative auditor’s office reported that Louisiana's Workers’ Compensation costs for state employees is higher than most states because of outdated billing practices and procedural oversights.
In an audit conducted to evaluate and to identify ways to control workers’ comp costs, auditors found totals for indemnity, medical and expense costs increased nearly 50% since the last audit in
LSP, Crowley Police & U.S. Marshals Arrest Two in Crowley
Two men arrested in Crowley in a multi-agency investigation.
Fatal Crash Reported On Highway 92
Three-vehicle accident on Hwy. 92 yields one fatality.
St. Landry Parish Teen Booked For Carrying A Weapon At School
Opelousas teen arrested for terrorizing and bringing a weapon to school.
LPSS Lays Groundwork For Superintendent Search
The Lafayettte Parish School Board discusses timeline for superintendent search.
Crowley Police Seeking Recreation Center Vandals
Crowley Police are investigating a case involving criminal damage to the Crowley Recreation Center.
New Iberia Lane Closures Reported Through Feb. 16
New Iberia city officials reporting lane closures for week-long street improvements.
St. Landry Cattle Rustlers Lassoed By Law Enforcement
Dustin Guillory and Jeramie Brown arrested for trespassing and cattle theft.
Ronald Sovine Named Jeanerette’s Outstanding Citizen Of The Year
Internet technology consultant Ronald Sovine will be honored Friday as the Jeanerette Chamber of Commerce's Outstanding Citizen of the Year.
Sovine, who has been a Jeanerette resident since 2001, serves in various organizations and most recently helped organize the first "Jeanerette Live" event.
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UPDATE: Suspect In Custody In Crowley Homicide
Crowley police are searching for Darius Thomas who is wanted for first degree murder.
LPSS Covering Legal Fees Through March
When asked to cover legal fees for the the rest of the 2014-15 school year, the Lafayette Parish School Board agreed to cover legal debts through March.
The board voted to accept a budget revision for $152,000 to pay for legal fees rather than $200,000 that was originally asked for to round out legal fees for the 2014-15 school year...