Benjamin Holmes of Bogalusa Sentenced to 20 Years

United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that on May 13, 2026, BENJAMIN HOLMES, (“HOLMES”) a Bogalusa resident, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sarah Vance to 240 months imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release.

This sentence came after HOLMES was found guilty by a jury last year, of 

• one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and 
• one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and an amount of marijuana, and 
• one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, being a convicted felon in possession of firearms, and 
• one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises

According to the evidence at trial, HOLMES utilized his Bogalusa residence to store illegal narcotics, including fentanyl and marijuana, and firearms, in addition to working with others at this location to sell fentanyl and marijuana. During a September 2023 search of this residence, law enforcement officials seized four firearms and over 300 grams of fentanyl. 

Click here for the related story

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, and the Bogalusa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Stuart Theriot and Lynn E. Schiffman, both of the Narcotics Unit, were in charge of the prosecution.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Shooting in Hammond Followed Taser Attack

On Wednesday (May 27, 2026), the Hammond Police Department responded to a reported shooting on Perry Lane and officers located a male victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. Officers rendered aid until Acadian Ambulance Services arrived. The victim was transported to North Oaks Medical Center and is currently listed in stable but critical condition.

Witnesses identified the suspect as 37-year-old Kemlyn Lomas of Gonzales, who had left the scene. While detectives were investigating the incident, Lomas arrived at the Hammond Police Department to turn herself in. After being advised of her Miranda rights, Lomas agreed to speak with detectives. 

Lomas stated that she confronted the victim at a residence on Perry Lane believing he was there with another woman. During the confrontation, Lomas stated a physical altercation occurred and she deployed a Taser on the victim. Lomas stated she then retrieved a firearm from her vehicle and during a struggle over the firearm, it discharged, striking the victim in the chest.

Kemlyn Lomas was charged with one count of Attempted Manslaughter, one count of Illegal Use of a Weapon, and one count of Aggravated Battery with a Dangerous Weapon.

*Suspect pictured is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.* 

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for May 27, 2026

Sommer Foti (age 57) was booked on the charge of Violation of Protective Orders (2nd Offense) by the Slidell Police Department.

Frank Mandella (age 41) was booked on the charges of Improper Turn, Failure to Stop/Yield, Expired Vehicle Inspection Sticker, Drug Paraphernalia, and Theft by the Slidell Police Department.

Thomas Foret (age 49) was booked on the charges of Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness, and Disturbing the Peace/Language by the Slidell Police Department.

Jamie Yunker (age 41) was booked on the charges of Theft and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.

Jennifer Kogos (age 51) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the Covington Police Department.

Hunter Freeman (age 31) was booked on the charges of Theft Over 25000, Motor Vehicles Alteration or Removal of VIN Number, Forgery, Illegal Possession of Stolen Things 25000 or Greater, and Identity Theft by the Louisiana State Police.

Richard Burrows (age 56) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Karen Rosales (age 46) was booked on the charge of Filing or Maintaining False Public Records by the Louisiana State Police.

Tanya Barth (age 55) was booked on the charge of Violating La. R.S. 14:403 that requires prompt reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, and certain other incidents involving children to law enforcement or appropriate authorities by the Covington Police Department.

Lauryn Faciane (age 49) was booked on the charges of Violating La. R.S. 14:403 that requires prompt reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, and certain other incidents involving children to law enforcement or appropriate authorities and Child Abuse by the Covington Police Department.

Stacy Chiasson (age 52) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Dustin Fernandez (age 35) was booked on the charges of Indecent Behavior With a Juvenile, Indecent Behavior/Grooming of a Child, Pornography Involving Juveniles, and Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor by the Covington Police Department.

Heather Benson (age 39) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jason Sylve (age 51) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Expired License Plate by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Sidney Ray (age 53) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Paul Warner (age 48) was booked on the charges of Theft 1000-5000, Theft Less Than 1000, and Possession of Schedule II by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Joey Primes (age 66) was booked on the charges of Improper Turn, Possession of Schedule II, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Bernice Keys (age 33) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Sebastian Abshire (age 33) was booked on the charge of Resisting an Officer by the Covington Police Department.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

LSP Pilots Makes Surprise Visit to Retired Command Pilot Walter Smith Near Mt. Hermon

The Louisiana State Police reports that Wednesday (May 27, 2026), LSP Pilots made a special stop during a training and maintenance flight to surprise retired Command Pilot Walter Smith near his home in Mt. Hermon.

Smith, a Marine Corps Helicopter Pilot who served in Vietnam, retired in 1988 and made history as the very first LSP Command Pilot in 1969 when the Air Support Unit was created. During the visit, current Command Pilot Dean Levergne had the honor of meeting Smith for the first time.

Recently celebrating his 85th birthday, Smith had not flown in a helicopter in over 40 years. LSP pilots were proud to include a short flight with him as part of their mission today, a fitting tribute to a true pioneer of the unit.

Honoring the past while inspiring the future. 

Covington Police Arrest Two School Administrators

The Covington Police Department has filed criminal charges against two administrators of E.E. Lyon Elementary School in connection with alleged failures to comply with Louisiana's mandatory reporting law. Tanya Barth, the Assistant Principal of E.E. Lyon Elementary, and Lauryn Faciane, the Principal of E.E. Lyon Elementary have each been charged under La. R.S. 14:403. 

A criminal charge is an accusation. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

That statute requires designated individuals, including school administrators, to promptly report suspected abuse, neglect, and certain other incidents involving children to law enforcement or appropriate authorities. 

The charges follow an investigation conducted by the Department's Criminal Investigations Division. The investigation included numerous interviews and a review of the available evidence. 

In the interest of protecting the children involved, and consistent with applicable law, the Department will not be releasing details regarding the underlying incidents that gave rise to the charges. 

The Department has made appropriate parallel notifications to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, the Louisiana Department of Education, and the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

The Department extends its sincere thanks to all those who cooperated with this investigation. Anyone with information relevant to this matter, or to any other matter involving the safety of children in our community, is encouraged to contact the Covington Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division at 985-892-8500.

This case remains an active matter. Beyond the information set forth in this release, the Department is not in a position to provide further comment at this time. Additional information will be provided through appropriate channels as the case progresses. 

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 27, 2026

Aleyah Roberson (age 24 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Cameron Baughman (age 28 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, No Drivers License, and No Taillight by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Travis Magee (age 28 with no address lissted) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Covington Career Felon Guilty of Abandoning Vehicle on Interstate

Defendant left vehicle facing oncoming traffic in the dark, nearly causing subsequent crashes

District Attorney Collin Sims announced today that a St. Tammany Parish jury has found 43-year-old Christopher Henry Verzwyvelt of Covington, Louisiana, guilty of Aggravated Obstruction of a Highway of Commerce. Following the jury’s verdict, the Honorable Judge Tara Farris Zeller also found Verzwyvelt guilty of three misdemeanor charges: Reckless Operation of a Vehicle, Operating a Vehicle While License was Suspended, and Hit and Run Driving.

The case stems from an incident on June 15, 2025. Louisiana State Police were dispatched to a single-vehicle crash on I-10 Eastbound at the I-12 Westbound on-ramp. Upon arrival, the LSP Trooper discovered an abandoned vehicle that had struck a guardrail and was left sitting directly in the left travel lane, facing oncoming traffic. The stretch of highway was unlit, and the vehicle was positioned in a slight curve, making it nearly invisible to approaching motorists until they were dangerously close. An off-duty Slidell Police Department officer nearly hit the vehicle while passing by, then pulled over to investigate and notified LSP.

The LSP Trooper relocated to the address of the vehicle’s registered owner, Daniel Verzwyvelt. Daniel informed the trooper that his son, Christopher, had been driving, claimed he had a blowout, and left the scene with a friend. LSP noted there was no indication of a flat tire in the final crash report. Christopher Verzwyvelt was subsequently interviewed, arrested, and transported to jail.

Court records reveal that Verzwyvelt is a career felon with an extensive 25-year criminal history spanning St. Tammany, Washington, and Jefferson Parishes, marked by a continuous cycle of felony convictions, probation revocations, and state prison sentences dating back to 2000. His lengthy record includes multiple narcotics convictions for the possession of Schedules I, II, III, and IV controlled dangerous substances (including heroin, cocaine, methadone, and buprenorphine), operating a clandestine laboratory, simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, theft of a firearm, taking contraband into a penal institution, and multiple prior offenses for DWI and driving under suspension.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Taylor Nicholson and Christina Fisher, with the investigation led by the Louisiana State Police.

During closing arguments, ADA Nicholson emphasized the defendant’s complete disregard for public safety.

"You heard on a jail call that he did not think leaving his car in the middle of the road was a big deal," Nicholson told the jury. "By him leaving that car in the road at 3 a.m., he endangered human life."

District Attorney Collin Sims commended the swift action of the Louisiana State Police and the Slidell Police Department, noting that their response likely prevented a catastrophic, secondary pileup on the interstate.

Judge Zeller has scheduled sentencing for June 12, 2026.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. 

Friday   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. South wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. 

Saturday   A 40 percent chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. 

Saturday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.

Walthall County Dairy Festival is June 6th

Make plans for the 49th Annual Dairy Festival on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Holmes Water Park in Tylertown, Mississippi. This is a 🎉 FREE EVENT - ✅ No Admission - ✅ No Charge for Parking

One of the largest festivals in the region — and considered one of the best old-timey events around — Dairy Festival is packed with solid family fun from start to finish.

Many visitors arrive for the 8AM Opening Ceremony and spend the entire day enjoying:

🚗 Car Show

🚜 Antique Tractors

👑 Pageant

🎤 Talent Show & Fun Contests

🛍️ Craft Vendors

🍔 Food Booths

🎶 FREE Entertainment All Day Long

The fun keeps going until the completion of the famous Turtle Races beginning at 4PM 🐢 — then swings back by for the spectacular 9PM Fireworks Show! 🎆

Bring the whole family and make plans now for a full day of fun, food, and tradition in Tylertown, Mississippi.

More info at: dairyfest.net and click here for their Facebook page

Registration Open for Franklinton Youth Football & Cheer

The Franklinton Youth Football & Cheer Association announces that another exciting season of football and cheer is right around the corner and 🚨📣🏈 REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY OPEN! 🏈📣🚨

💥 NEW THIS YEAR 💥 - ✨ Registration is completely ONLINE! ✨and signing up has never been easier. 

Simply scan the QR code or click the registration link to get started. No paperwork, no waiting—just a quick and easy registration process from wherever you are!

👕 BRAND-NEW CUSTOMIZED UNIFORMS 👕 - All football players and cheerleaders will receive brand-new customized uniforms this season. 

📣 IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

✅ Registration is OPEN NOW

✅ Full payment is due at the time of registration

✅ Participants must not turn 13 before August 1st

✅ Scan the QR code or click the registration link to sign up

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for May 26, 2026

Hayden Cooper (age 19) was booked on the charges of Unlawful Sale/Possession of Tobacco by Person Under 18 YOA, Contributing to the Delinquency, and Purchase and Public Possession of Alcoholic Beverages by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Heath Bailey (age 56) was booked on the charges of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond and Contempt of Court by Bondsman.

Carlos Mateo (age 34) was booked on the charges of Driving Without Headlights, Operating While Intoxicated (3rd Offense), Open Container in Vehicle, and Contempt of Court by the Slidell Police Department.

Demerral Dangerfield (age 22) was booked on the charges of Simple Battery, Resisting an Officer, Battery of a Police Officer, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, and Battery of a Police Officer/In Legal Custody by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Layne Hyatt (age 27) was booked on the charges of Fugitive, Prohibited Acts/Schedule II, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Simple Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling by the Covington Police Department.

David Schmolke (age 40) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole.

Jessica Zeringue (age 37) was booked on the charge of Cruelty to Juveniles/Minor Injuries by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Alfred Turner (age 51) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Carey Gendron (age 49) was booked on the charge of Theft 5000-25000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Brian Morehouse (age 37) was booked on the charges of Housed for Court and Contempt of Court (4 counts) by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Chris Nagin (age 40) was booked on the charges of Operating While Intoxicated (3rd Offense), Possession Burglary Tools, and Careless Operation by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Salvatore Marchese (age 45) was booked on the charge of Simple Criminal Damage Less Than 1000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Tiffany Oliver (age 34) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Contempt of Court by the Covington Police Department.

Raul Munguia (age 30) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Mandeville Police Department.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 26, 2026

Michael Turnage (age 41 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jerimah Rheams (age 33 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse/Aggravated Assault and Theft Less Than 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Summer McCain (age 30 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriffs Office. No bond set at this time.

Robert Harvey (age 48 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft and Entry/Remain on Premises After Being Forbidden by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Kevin Penton (age 55 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Brandi Gonzales (age 30 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Battery With Injury, Driving While Intoxicated, and Open Container in Vehicle by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Obituary

Billy Wayne Watts, Sr.

September 17, 1953 - May 26, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight. 

Thursday   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 82. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Friday   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms  Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. 

Friday Night   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Calm wind.

WPSS: Early Childhood Screening Clinic is June 5th

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Sticker on the Fentanyl Problem

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker shares an in-depth look at how illicit fentanyl continues to impact communities across every demographic, while highlighting the progress being made through education, enforcement, treatment, and community partnerships. In this powerful conversation, Sheriff Sticker discusses the alarming presence of fentanyl in multiple street drugs, the parish’s 45% decrease in fentanyl-related deaths, and programs like Operation Angel that connect people struggling with addiction to treatment instead of jail. He reflects on the heartbreaking reality of overdose deaths, the importance of keeping public awareness front and center, and the need for law enforcement, schools, courts, mental health providers, faith groups, and families to work together to save lives and support recovery.

Obituary

Shadic Topolino Mark 

November 30, 1973 – May 16, 2026

Obituary

Odelia Sharecia Simmons

January 4, 1993 — May 20, 2026

Obituary

Maggie Ainsworth Easley

March 27, 1936 - May 26, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for May 25, 2026

Merrick Ancar (age 18) was booked on the charges of Underage DWI,  Careless Operation, and Open
Container in Motor Vehicle by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Nayla Gordones (age 24) was booked on the charges of DWI and Improper Lane Use by the Louisiana State Police.

Christine Johnson (age 34) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II (3 counts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts), Possession of Schedule I, and Possession of Contraband in a Penal Facility by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jack McMichael (age 46) was booked on the charges of Issuing Worthless Checks, Possession of Schedule II, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Malcolm Brumfield (age 35) was booked on the charges of Entry on or Remaining in Places or Land After Being Forbidden and Resisting an Officer by Refusing to Identify by the Covington Police Department.

Cortez Myers (age 28) was booked on the charge of Cruelty to Juveniles by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Austin Anderson (age 30) was booked on the charges of DWI and Improper Lane Use by the Louisiana State Police.

Roland Brown (age 19) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule I, Possession of Schedule II, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, and Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms by the Covington Police Department.

Allen Wendall (age 62) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Interfering With Emergency Communication by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Berek Lawson (age 40) was booked on the charge of Criminal Trespass by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Kevin Carpenter (age 38) was booked on the charges of DWI, Improper Lane Use, and Open Container in Motor Vehicle by the Covington Police Department.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Obituary

Bette Janell Fitzwater McGehee

October 23, 1942 - May 24, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 24-25, 2026

Robert Harvey (age 48 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft and Attachment by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $2500.00.

Joanna McMillan (age 39 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges o Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment and Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Kimberly Tate (age 61 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, First Degree Negligent Vehicular Injuring (2 counts), and Driving While Intoxicated With Child Endangerment by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Obituary

Gillis "GiGi" Jones Norris

January 14, 1940 - May 25, 2026

After 3-Hour Standoff, Bogalusa Police Arrest Fugitive

On Monday, May 18, 2026, at approximately 2:25 p.m., officers with the Bogalusa Police Department located 36-year-old Devon R. Cotton of Bogalusa at an abandoned and condemned residence in the 1700 block of Bund Street. Officers were aware that Cotton had multiple outstanding misdemeanor and felony warrants and responded to take him into custody.

Click here for previous reports of arrests

Upon arrival, officers approached the residence on foot and observed Cotton inside the structure. As officers moved toward the house, Cotton fled toward the rear of the residence in an attempt to evade arrest. Officers attempted to intercept him, but Cotton crawled through a hole in the floor and into the area beneath the residence.

Cotton was given repeated verbal commands to exit from underneath the house but refused. Additional officers responded and established a perimeter around the residence due to prior knowledge that Cotton was considered a flight risk. Officers spent an extended period attempting to persuade Cotton to surrender peacefully.

During the incident, officers discovered suspected narcotics along Cotton’s path of travel beneath the residence. Two plastic bags containing a white crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine were recovered and secured as evidence.

As officers continued communication efforts, Cotton continued to move around underneath the structure. Having numerous opportunities and clear avenues to come out, he continued to stall for time and refused to surrender to authorities.

After approximately three hours officers were able to position Cotton near the edge of the house where he told officers he was stuck due to mud and structural components of the residence. Officers and firefighters removed dirt and debris creating a path for Cotton to reposition himself and officers were able to safely extract Cotton. Once removed from underneath the residence, Cotton was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Bogalusa City Jail.

Cotton was charged with Two counts Fugitive from outside agency, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Resisting an officer. Officers also confirmed that Cotton had active warrants through Probation and Parole as well as the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

The Bogalusa Police Department would like to thank the Bogalusa Fire Department for their assistance in safely resolving the incident and ensuring the successful extraction of the suspect.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 83. South wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. .

Wednesday   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday Night   A 70 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday   A 100 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 82. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph. 

Thursday Night   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Calm wind. 

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for May 24, 2026

Paul Brown (age 49) was booked on the charges of DWI, Hit and Run, and Careless Operation by the Louisiana State Police.

Kevin Davis (age 33) was booked on the charges of Improper Turn, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, and Possession of Schedule I by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Patrick Stogner (age 55) was booked on the charges of Failure to Stop/Yield, Open Container in Vehicle, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Schedule II (2 counts) by the Pearl River Police Department.

Tyrell Batiste (age 35) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Kenaf Thompson (age 39) was booked on the charges of Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Resisting an Officer, Aggravated Flight From Officer, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS, and Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription by the Louisiana State Police.

Susanne Zeilinger (age 55) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Kayla Anderson (age 35) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the Covington Police Department.

Chad Crouchet (age 40) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Christopher Evans (age 36) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Isaiah Leviar (age 20) was booked on the charge of Fugitive and Battery of a Dating Partner by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Cosette Gagyi (age 29) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Contraband in a Penal Facility, and Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Memorial Day   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4am. Cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Tuesday   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 81. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. 

Wednesday   A 90 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 85. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning. 

Wednesday Night   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. 

Slidell Police Arrests 12 in Aggressive Operation - More Drugs & Guns Seized

The Slidell Police Department Narcotics and K9 Divisions, working in coordination with the Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, recently concluded a series of proactive narcotics investigations conducted under the title “Operation Clear Horizon.”

The operation targeted the distribution and trafficking of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other dangerous illegal narcotics throughout the City of Slidell and resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, psilocybin mushrooms, and MDMA, along with narcotics packaging materials, digital scales, and multiple firearms. Several of the firearms recovered were found to be illegally possessed by convicted felons.

In total, twelve individuals were arrested on charges ranging from Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances and Distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substances to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Those arrested during the operation are listed as follows:

• 56-year-old Anthony Devoney (Slidell, LA)
• 43-year-old Michael Chappetta (Slidell, LA)
• 50-year-old Joseph Paillot (Slidell, LA)
• 63-year-old Darren Rohrbacker (Slidell, LA)
• 49-year-old Farrel Dupuy (Slidell, LA)
• 53-year-old Louis McCoy (Picayune, MS)
• 61-year-old Jerry Babineaux (Slidell, LA)
• 44-year-old Bobby Elam (Slidell, LA)
• 55-year-old Michael Tavernit (Slidell, LA)
• 28-year-old Bruce Metz (Metairie, LA)
• 36-year-old Beau Brinson (Slidell, LA)
• 35-year-old Skyla Williams (Pearl River, LA)

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

In a statement from the Slidell Police, "Every quantity of dangerous narcotics removed from our streets represents lives potentially saved and families protected from the devastating impact of addiction, violence, and drug-related crime. No matter how large or small the operation may be, if you choose to traffic dangerous narcotics in our community, know this:

𝘞𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶.

𝘞𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶.

𝘞𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘴.

The Slidell Police Department remains fully committed to aggressive narcotics enforcement and protecting the citizens of Slidell from individuals who profit from addiction, violence, and the spread of deadly drugs within our neighborhoods."

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for May 23, 2026

Nicholas Lent (age 35) was booked on the charge of Theft by the Slidell Police Department.

Gary Crumedy (age 26) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II (2 counts), Driving Under Suspension, and License Plate Must Be Illuminated by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Anna Carriere (age 25) was booked on the charge of Theft by the Mandeville Police Department.

Dominique Smith (age 32) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Justin Collison (age 37) was booked on the charges of Telephone Communications/Improper Language/Harassment by the Pearl River Police Department.

Kimberly Crocker (48) was booked on the charges of Fugitive, Resisting an Officer, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

James Hoyt (age 39) was booked on the charges of Fugitive (2 counts) by the Slidell Police Department.

Harvey Breland (age 42) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Covington Police Department.

Albert Dabney (age 40) was booked on the charges of Battery of a Dating Partner and Resisting an Officer by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Kolt Johnson (age 26) was booked on the charges of Indecent Behavior With a Juvenile, Indecent Behavior/Grooming of a Child, and Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor by the Covington Police Department.

Mark Price (age 65) was booked on the charges of Operating Vehicle While Intoxicated (3rd Offense), Ignition Interlock Device Offenses, No Safety Belts, and No Insurance by the Slidell Police Department.

Brandon Deflanders (age 46) was booked on the charge of Possession of Firearm or Carrying Concealed Weapon by the Slidell Police Department.

Brody Wehmeyer (age 18) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner With Strangulation by the Slidell Police Department.

Jasper Fluker (age 33) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jeremiah Fry (age 44) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment and Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Quinn Tardo (age 36) was booked on the charges of Improper Turn, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Schedule I (2 counts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Illegal Use of CDS in Presence of Persons Under by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

3-Vehicle Crash Claims Life of Tangipahoa Man

Early Saturday (May 23, 2026) morning, at 1:30 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a multi vehicle fatality crash on LA Highway 16 at Dykes Lane in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 22 year old Janya T. D. Butler of the Town of Tangipahoa.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2026 Kia K4, driven by Butler, was traveling east on LA Highway 16 approaching Dykes Lane. At the same time, a 2013 Ford F-150 and a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 48-year-old Franklin B. Turnage of Mount Olive, Mississippi, were traveling west on LA Highway 16. For reasons still under investigation, the Kia crossed the centerline and struck the front bumper of the Ford. The Kia came to rest in the westbound lane, and the Ford ran off the right side of the roadway. The Chevrolet was unable to avoid a collision and struck the passenger side of the Kia.

Butler, who was unrestrained, sustained serious injuries and died on scene. The driver of the Ford was properly restrained and uninjured. Turnage, who was unrestrained, sustained minor injuries. 

During the investigation, Turnage showed signs of impairment and was subsequently arrested. He was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Correctional Facility for Driving While Intoxicated (First Offense), Driving While Suspended, and No Seatbelt. As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were obtained from all drivers for analysis.

6-Month-Old Dies in Tangipahoa Parish Crash

Late Friday (May 22, 2026) night, at 11:50 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a single vehicle crash on US Highway 51 just south of LA Highway 1064 in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 6 month old Kaybri Robinson of Hammond.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, driven by 25 year old Resjyne N. Griffin of Hammond, was traveling north on US Highway 51 approaching LA Highway 1064. For reasons still under investigation, the Hyundai ran off the roadway to the right into a ditch and struck a culvert.

Griffin, who was unrestrained, sustained moderate injuries. Two unrestrained minor passengers in the vehicle were also injured. A 5 year old was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries, and Robinson was transported to a local hospital where she died.

During the investigation, Griffin showed signs of impairment, was subsequently arrested, and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Upon her release from the hospital, Griffin will be booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Correctional Facility for Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Negligent Injury, No Child Restraint, Careless Operation, Open Container, and No Driver’s License. As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were collected for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 23, 2026

Erick Davis (age 49 with Baton Rouge, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) and Bond Surrender by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond information is incomplete at this time.

Logan Roy (age 27 with Robert, La. address) was booked on the charges of of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Marijuana (2nd Offense), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Patrice Howard (age 41 with Marrero, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Stopping/Standing/Parking Outside Business or Residence, and Open Container in Vehicle by the Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Memorial Day   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 80. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Monday Night   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. 

Tuesday   A 80 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 83. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. 

Tuesday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Obituary

Debbie Hart Severio

October 28, 1962 - May 22, 2026

Ponchatoula Woman Killed in St. Tammany Crash

On May 22, 2026, at 4:40 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Interstate 10 just east of the Interstate 10, Interstate 12, and Interstate 59 interchange in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 63-year-old Deborah H. Severio of Ponchatoula.

The preliminary investigation revealed that three separate crashes occurred in the same general location along Interstate 10. The initial crash was a single-vehicle crash involving a Toyota 4Runner that became disabled in the roadway. Severio, who was driving a Toyota RAV4 east on Interstate 10, was approaching the 4Runner, began to slow and was struck in the rear by an Audi A6.

Following both crashes, and before emergency personnel arrived, Severio and all drivers exited their vehicles. For reasons still under investigation, Severio was standing between her vehicle and the Audi when a Nissan Titan approached the crashed vehicles and struck the rear of the Audi. The Audi was pushed forward, striking Severio and the RAV4.

Severio sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. The only passenger in the RAV4 sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the 4Runner and the Nissan were properly restrained and uninjured. Impairment is not suspected for the driver of the Nissan, who provided a breath sample of .000 g%. Routine toxicology samples were obtained from all drivers for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.

Troopers urge pedestrians and motorists to exercise caution near roadways to help prevent crashes and injuries. Pedestrians should wear reflective materials, avoid distractions, and walk facing oncoming traffic while keeping a safe distance from travel lanes. Motorists are reminded to stay alert when approaching disabled vehicles or pedestrians on the roadside. If you are involved in a crash and the vehicles are movable, safely move them out of the roadway to help keep travel lanes open and reduce the risk of secondary crashes. If you witness any hazardous situations, please dial *LSP (*577) to report them to the Louisiana State Police.

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for May 22, 2026

Briana Wendel (age 26) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jarett Morella (age 52) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole.

Shantrell Warren (age 45) was booked on the charges of Operating While Intoxicated (2nd Offense) and Obedience to Police Officers/Weights and Standards Officers by the Louisiana State Police.

Lawrence Brown (age 21) was booked on charges not listed by Probation and Parole.

Hilmon Stigler (age 42) was booked on the charge of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Pearl River Police Department.

Dymonte Beverly (age 23) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Terrie Williams (age 55) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule IV, and Possession of Schedule II by the Slidell Police Department.

Darrin Gonzales (age 50) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Slidell Police Department.

Wendi Holmes (age 44) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Eddie Young (age 54) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Joseph Fletcher (age 50) was booked on the charges of Sexual Battery and Second Degree Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Leann Simon (age 40) was booked on the charge of Second Degree Cruelty to Juveniles by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Steve Turner (age 48) was booked on the charges of Bicycles/Front Lamps Side and Rear Reflectors Required, Possession of Schedule II, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Obituary

John Edward Loyd, Sr.

February 8, 1953 – May 11, 2026

Obituary

Larry Maki Page

November 16, 1950 - May 20, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 22, 2026

Tonious Anders (age 28 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Careless Operation, and Vehicle Registration Expired by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $2500.00.

Cody Meiners (age 36 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fraudulent Firearm and Ammunition Purchase by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Detrich Magee (age 35 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Bench Warrant/Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $517.00.

Michael Phillips (age 56 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Use Turn Signal 100 ft. Prior to Turn, Driving Under Suspension, General Speed Law, and Possession of Heroin by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Devon Cotton (age 36 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Fugitive (2 counts), Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, and Resisting Arrest by the Bogalusa Police Department and on the charge of Bond Surrender by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $20000.00.

Teon Jones (age not listed with address not listed) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by Agency not listed. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8am. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday   A 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 81. East wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Sunday Night   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 69. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. 

Memorial Day   A 90 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 80. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. 

Monday Night   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Obituary

Betty Lou Walker Holliday

November 18, 1944 - May 21, 2026

Convicted Covington Drug Dealer Facing Life Sentence

District Attorney Collin Sims announces that today (May 22, 2026), a St. Tammany Parish jury found 46-year-old John Silas Joiner, Jr. of Covington, Louisiana guilty on 15 counts of narcotics, weapons, flight, and resisting arrest charges. The unanimous verdict follows a trial before the Honorable Judge Richard Swartz. 

Joiner, a convicted felon who was on parole at the time of his offenses, now faces a mandatory life sentence. Judge Swartz has scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2026.

The conviction stems from two separate law enforcement operations in 2023. 

• The first occurred in January 2023, when detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Joiner. Joiner actively resisted arrest, striking a detective with his elbow, and briefly fled on foot before being quickly apprehended. A search of the vehicle yielded 450 dosage units of fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, a digital scale, a set of brass knuckles, and an AR-style 9mm pistol equipped with a 50-round drum magazine.

• The second incident took place in September 2023, after authorities intercepted a jail video call between Joiner and his co-defendant, Amanda Flocke, which showed Flocke at a kitchen table counting thousands of fentanyl pills in the presence of minor children. A subsequent search warrant executed by STPSO at their Mandeville residence uncovered 2,746 dosage units of counterfeit blue "M30" fentanyl tablets, crystal methamphetamine, pharmaceutical pills, and a clandestine laboratory setup in the garage used to press fraudulent ecstasy tablets.

Click here for previous related stories

During the trial, Flocke testified for the state, detailing how she was absorbed into Joiner’s operations after his initial January arrest. "I got left with the debt of everything," Flocke testified, referring to the drug debt Joiner accumulated. "After he went to jail, I assumed all of his responsibilities."

When questioned about the massive cache of narcotics discovered at their residence during the September search warrant, Flocke testified that Joiner had misled her about the ongoing operation, stating, "I thought he got rid of the drugs because that's what he told me he was going to do."

In her closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney Christina Fisher pointed out Joiner's absolute disregard for the law and his refusal to stop dealing, even while under state supervision. "He did not learn," Fisher told the jury. "He was convicted in December 2020 for felon in possession of a firearm, and in January 2023, while still being supervised, he was stopped for a traffic stop...Those are the possessions of a drug dealer."

Fisher also emphasized the dangerous combination of firearms and lethal narcotics seized from Joiner, noting, "These are dangerous weapons...they have no business being hooked to a fanny pack with fentanyl pills. He was dealing these drugs; he had every intent to distribute them."

Addressing Joiner's defense strategy and his attempts to distance himself from the Mandeville residence, Fisher reminded the jury of the physical evidence linking him to the home. "Ladies and gentlemen, this was his house; it's ridiculous to think otherwise," Fisher said.

During his rebuttal closing argument, Assistant District Attorney Iain Dover addressed the defendant's refusal to acknowledge the state's statutory evidence. "Although Mr. Joiner may disagree 'til his very last breath...none of Mr. Joiner's arguments relate to what you are to do today," Dover told the jury. "He has no willingness to change or accept responsibility. He is a drug dealer, and he sells."

"Today's verdict ensures that a dangerous, repeat offender will no longer be able to flood our streets with lethal poison," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "This defendant not only armed himself while trafficking high volumes of fentanyl and cocaine, but he also operated a clandestine pill press in a home where young children lived. I want to commend the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office for their thorough investigations and ADAs Iain Dover and Christina Fisher for their exceptional work in securing this conviction."

Flocke, age 40, previously pleaded guilty on May 8, 2026, to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced by Judge Swartz to 30 years in the Department of Corrections.

Conviction Details: Following the four-day trial, the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts for the following charges:

• Possession with intent to distribute 250 grams or more of fentanyl
• Possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of methamphetamine
• Possession with intent to distribute less than 28 grams of cocaine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone (3 counts total)
• Possession of two grams or more, but less than 28 grams of fentanyl
• Possession of less than two grams of fentanyl
• Possession of less than two grams of methamphetamine
• Creation or operation of a clandestine laboratory for the unlawful manufacture of a controlled dangerous substance
• Transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses
• Possession of a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon by a person convicted of certain felonies
• Illegal carrying of a short-barreled rifle and brass knuckles while in possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine (2 counts total)
• Simple escape
• Resisting a police officer

Three Injured in Loranger Shooting Incident

Three people were injured in a shooting incident that occurred late Thursday (May 21, 2026) night in a
mobile home park on North St. Charles Avenue in the Loranger area 

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) was called out in response to multiple reports of shots fired. However, upon deputies’ arrival at the shooting scene, no victims were found, but evidence of multiple shots fired was located.

Deputies have since learned that two groups got into a verbal dispute. Residents emerged from their homes to try to intervene and get the groups to leave. However, that turned into an exchange of gunfire and the circumstances leading up to that are still under active investigation.

Three victims, who received non-life-threatening injuries, were taken to a local hospital by private vehicle before deputies arrived. A 50-year-old woman and a 17-year-old male remain hospitalized in stable condition today while a 33-year-old woman was released with a graze wound. The elder female was a relative of one of the members of the feuding groups; it is currently undetermined whether the other two were part of the feuding groups or were residents.

Interviews and evidence are still being collected to confirm the facts of this case. Anyone with information about this incident and all of the individuals involved can contact our Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088. If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or  visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! You may be eligible for a cash reward.

Obituary

Ferdinand Guy "Ferdi" Duplantier

December 30, 1945 - May 21, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for May 21, 2026

Shannon Whitaker (age 45) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Drug Paraphernalia, and Obstruction of Justice by the Covington Police Department.

Bobby Crockett (age 58) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Drug Paraphernalia, and Obstruction of Justice by the Covington Police Department.

Andre Robertson (age 63) was booked on the charges of Failure to Stop/Yield, Bicycles/Front Lamps Side and Rear Reflectors Required, and Resisting an Officer by the Covington Police Department.

Darrell Prosper (age 57) was booked on the charges of DWI, Maximum Speed Limit, Improper Lane Usage, and Open Container in Motor Vehicle by the Louisiana State Police.

Tashawn Butler (age 21) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer by Refusing to Identify, Battery of Dating Partner With Child Endangerment, and Battery of a Dating Partner/Strangulation by the Slidell Police Department.

Cashanti Young (age 24) was booked on the charge of Telephone Communications/Improper Language/Harassment by the Mandeville Police Department.

Tyler Stewart (age 30) was booked on the charges of Theft Over 25000, Motor Vehicles Alteration or Removal of VIN Number, Forgery, Illegal Possession of Stolen Things 25000 or Greater, and Identity Theft by the Louisiana State Police.

Jarod Hines (age 41) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the Covington Police Department.

Antoine Williams (47) was booked on the charges of No Taillights, No Safety Helmet, Registration of Sex Offenders, Possession of Schedule II, Possession of a Firearm or Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, and Periodic Renewal of Registration by Offenders by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Kayleb Botts (age 23) was booked on the charge of Hit and Run by the Mandeville Police Department.

Akiem Horace (age 19) was booked on the charge of Possession of or Dealing in Firearms With Obliterated Serial Number by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Dennis Chatman (age 44) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole.

Jamal Robertson (age 39) was booked on the charges of Simple Escape, Possession of Schedule III (2 counts), Obstruction of Justice/Tampering With Evidence, Driving Under Suspension, Criminal Sanctions for Operating Motor Vehicle Not Covered, Resisting an Officer, and No Safety Belts by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Ashton Kult (age 19) was booked on the charges of Illegal Carrying of Weapon/ Possession of Schedule I, Unlawful Sale/Possession of Tobacco by Person Under 18 YOA, Purchase and Public Possession of Alcoholic Beverages, and Careless Operation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jacob Dyar (age 31) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer and Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Covington Police Department.

Jason Boggs (age 40) was booked on the charge of Driving Under Suspension by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

William Noto (age 26) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Improper Turn by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***