Louisiana Father Arrested After Children Found Alone in Casino Parking Lot

HOUMA, La. - A Houma man is in custody after deputies say he left his two young children unattended in a parked truck outside a casino, twice in one night, with drugs and knives within the kids' reach.

READ MORE: Mega Millions, Louisiana Lottery Confirm $800 Million Jackpot Win

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office arrested 30-year-old Jearmie Paul Bourg Jr. on multiple felony charges after deputies spotted movement in the backseat of a pickup truck parked at Cash Magic Casino around 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

What Deputies Found When They Checked the Truck

When deputies checked the unlocked truck, they found two small children alone in the backseat and what looked like drug paraphernalia in plain view on the driver's seat. One deputy stayed with the kids while another went inside the casino and located their father, identified as Bourg.

Inside the Casino: How Bourg Was Located and What He Admitted

After escorting him outside, deputies said Bourg showed "signs of suspicious demeanor and actions" and took him into custody. He later admitted to having drugs on him, and deputies recovered about 3.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine from his pocket.

Get our free mobile app

A search of the truck turned up more suspected drugs, including methamphetamine, marijuana, and a digital scale with meth residue, along with several hand tools and knives scattered inside, all accessible to the children.

Deputies said the mix of drugs, unsecured sharp objects, and lack of supervision created what they called an "extremely hazardous environment." Surveillance footage reportedly showed Bourg left the children alone twice that night, including one stretch of about 14 minutes before deputies arrived.

Full List of Charges Against Jearmie Bourg

Bourg is being held at the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on charges including:

• Two counts of illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a person under 17
• Possession of methamphetamine
• Possession of marijuana
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Two counts of child desertion
• Four counts of cruelty to juveniles

His bond has been set at $92,500.