L’Observateur / September 20, 2000

HAHNVILLE – As if he wasn’t in enough trouble, a man awaiting trial for murder in St. Charles Parish has been booked with smuggling marijuana intothe parish jail.

Vincent Teal, 23, arrested in April 1999 for the stabbing death of a Boutte woman, was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and with introduction of contraband into a correctional facility.

Capt. Patrick Yoes of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office said Teal wasgetting shipments of marijuana through items left by visitors. Last week,Teal’s friend, Jessica Martinez, 18, and his 16-year-old sister were arrested for bringing Teal marijuana tucked into the toe of a pair of sneakers.

“Our investigation showed he was requesting marijuana through letters, with the intention of sharing it with the other inmates,” Yoes said.

Bond on Teal was set at $50,000.

Yoes said Teal and Amin E. Amin Jr., both of Metairie, are awaiting trial forthe murder of Debra A. Morales Matthews, 32, of 431 Acorn St., Boutte,found with more than 50 stab wounds in her home.

Following the stabbing of Matthews, her car was stolen and apparently broke down on U.S. 90 near the Jefferson Parish line. The wrecker service calledout was that of her father and brother, who recognized the car, went to her home and discovered her body.

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