Age no issue for suspected drug dealer

Published 12:00 am Saturday, December 12, 2009

By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – A 75-year-old LaPlace man was arrested Wednesday after authorities discovered $4,000 worth of powdered and crack cocaine during a raid on his home, said a spokesman for the St. John Sheriff’s Office.

Capt. Dane Clement, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office, said Joshua Sylvan was arrested just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday when narcotics detectives executed a court ordered search warrant of Sylvan’s West Second Street residence in LaPlace.

As investigators searched the home, they found Sylva in possession of the cocaine, which he was selling from his residence, according to Clement. 

Authorities also recovered two loaded handguns and about $7,500 in cash hidden throughout the residence. Clement also said Sylvan’s 12-year-old granddaughter was present at the home at the time of the search.

Clement would not reveal what prompted the search of Sylvan’s home. He also could not reveal the exact address of the residence.

Sylvan, who is a convicted felon with a history of drug violations, was booked with possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and illegal use of a controlled substance in the presence of a minor. He is being held at the Sherman Walker Correctional Center in LaPlace on $375,000 bond.