More charges levied against suspect in bomb case

Joey Jermaine Francois faces additional weapons charges after explosive devices found in storage facility

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A 45-year-old man in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana has been charged with additional weapons offenses after police discovered homemade explosive devices and illegal firearms during a search of a storage facility. Joey Jermaine Francois was already facing charges related to the manufacture and possession of a bomb, and now faces new charges including possession of firearms with obliterated numbers, illegal possession of stolen firearms, and being a felon in possession of firearms.

Why it matters

The discovery of homemade explosive devices and illegal firearms raises serious public safety concerns in the local community. The case highlights the need for continued vigilance and coordination between law enforcement agencies to address the threat of illegal weapons and explosives.

The details

On February 20, detectives from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division and the Morgan City Police Department executed search warrants at a residence and a storage facility in Amelia, Louisiana. During the searches, they located several illegal firearms as well as what appeared to be three homemade explosive devices. The explosive devices were safely rendered inert and collected by the Louisiana State Police. Arrest warrants were subsequently obtained for Francois, who was already incarcerated on charges filed by the Morgan City Police Department. He was formally booked on the additional warrants, which included charges related to the illegal firearms and explosives.

  • On February 20, detectives executed search warrants and discovered the explosive devices and illegal firearms.
  • On February 25, Francois was arrested and booked on the additional warrants.

The players

Joey Jermaine Francois

A 45-year-old man who was already facing charges related to the manufacture and possession of a bomb, and now faces additional weapons charges including possession of firearms with obliterated numbers, illegal possession of stolen firearms, and being a felon in possession of firearms.

Gary Driskell

The St. Mary Parish Sheriff who reported the arrests and thanked the Morgan City Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for their assistance in the investigation.

Chad M. Adams

The Morgan City Police Chief who reported additional arrests made by his department.

Cedric Hardy

The Franklin Police Chief who reported arrests made by his department.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

A federal law enforcement agency that assisted in the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in St. Mary Parish.”

— Gary Driskell, St. Mary Parish Sheriff (stmarynow.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Joey Jermaine Francois to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing the threat of illegal weapons and explosives, and the need for continued coordination and vigilance to protect public safety in the local community.