Community News

Deonta Ware, a 17-year-old escapee for AMI of Acadiana is now facing felony charges. During Ware’s flee from the facility, he stole a white 1993 Ford F-250 belonging to an area man residing on J E Pelton Lane in Branch.

According to the owners of the truck, the vehicle was stolen from their hay farm while the owner stopped to have lunch.

Ware did eventually abandon the pick-up truck in the parking lot of Living Word Ministries at 717 W. Grolee Street in Opelousas.

Opelousas Police arrested Ware Monday morning after receiving a tip that he could be found in an abandoned house located at 926 South Washington Street. He was charged with unauthorized entry.

Currently Ware is in custody of the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s office facing a felony charge for unauthorized use of a vehicle.

He is being held with a $25,000 bond.

According to AMI Kids officials, this facility is not considered a secure facility. It is actually an alternative school.

The multiple escapes that the facility has seen during its years of operation has left many area residents feeling very frustrated.

When will the line be drawn with these juvenile offenders, some are wondering. Will it eventually lead to someone, whether it be an area family or AMI resident, getting hurt or worse?