James Darrell Dykes
February 28, 1962 - April 20, 2026
April 21, 2026
Arrest Suspect Dealing Drugs Near SLU Campus?
Gage Banks, age 32 and of Springfield, has been arrested by the Hammond Police Department and is suspected of distributing illegal narcotics near the Southeastern Louisiana University campus.
On April 15, 2026, the HPD Narcotics Division was contacted by the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division about Gage Banks and, with information provided, HPD detectives drafted a search warrant for Banks' Hammond residence. The search produced
- approximately 267 ounces of suspected marijuana
- approximately 207 pre-rolled cigarettes containing suspected marijuana
- approximately 148 THC vapes
- approximately 14 THC vape cartridges
- 8 jars containing suspected THC wax
- BLA rifle with 2 high-capacity magazines
- digital scales
- multiple vacuum seal machines
Skeletal Remains Found Near Slidell
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating after skeletal remains were discovered near Slidell on Monday (April 20, 2026) afternoon.
At approximately 4 p.m. Monday, STPSO deputies were dispatched to a retention pond near Indiana Avenue and Highway 11 after an individual fishing in the area located what appeared to be human skeletal remains in the water.
The St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office was notified, along with the LSU Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services (FACES) Laboratory.
On Tuesday morning (April 21, 2026), representatives from the FACES Lab took possession of the remains and will assist in determining a positive identification.
At this time, foul play is not suspected.
3 Arrested, 16 Dogs Rescued at Covington-area Residence
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office has reported that three individuals were arrested and sixteen dogs were rescued during the execution of a search warrant at a Covington-area residence.
On April 15, 2026, members of STPSO's Proactive Enforcement Unit received an anonymous tip indicating a wanted subject was believed to be at a residence in the 79000 block of Barker Road in Covington. Following an investigation, detectives obtained and executed a narcotics search warrant at the residence, where they located and seized six firearms, along with small amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine and hydrocodone.
Detectives also discovered sixteen (16) severely malnourished dogs, ranging in age from puppies to adults, on the property. All animals were removed and turned over to St. Tammany Parish Animal Services for care and evaluation.
“Our deputies and detectives work tirelessly to protect both our residents and animals from dangerous and inhumane conditions,” said Sheriff Randy Smith. “This case highlights the importance of community tips and the swift action taken by our personnel to hold offenders accountable.”
The homeowner, 48-year-old convicted felon Clinton Hathcox, was arrested and transported to the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of
- Possession of Schedule II CDS (Methamphetamine)
- Possession of Schedule II CDS (Hydrocodone)
- Possession of Legend Drugs
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (6 counts)
- Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of CDS (6 counts)
- Cruelty to Animals (16 counts)
- Resisting an Officer
- Failure to Appear (Warrant)
- Contempt of Court (Warrant)
Another resident, Christin Hanson, was arrested and transported to the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of
- Possession of Schedule II CDS (Methamphetamine)
- Possession of Schedule II CDS (Hydrocodone)
- Possession of Legend Drugs
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of CDS (6 counts)
- Accessory After the Fact
A third resident, 27-year-old Anastasia Hathcox, was arrested and transported to the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of
- Possession of Schedule II CDS (Fentanyl)
- Possession of Schedule II CDS (Methamphetamine)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Covington Police Year-to-Date Highlights
The Covington Police Department's year-to-date recap reflects significant progress in addressing crimes involving juveniles, illegal narcotics, and firearm-related offenses.
So far this year, the Covington Police Department has made:
- 12 arrests for indecent behavior involving juveniles
- 11 arrests for computer-aided solicitation of a minor
- 6 arrests for attempted production/possession of pornography involving juveniles
- 7 arrests for indecent behavior involving juveniles/child grooming
- 40 arrests resulting from narcotics investigations
- 6 arrests on firearm-related charges
In addition, officers have recovered 2 firearms and seized substantial quantities of illegal narcotics, including 394 grams of cocaine, more than 35 grams of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, more than 300 grams of marijuana and THC products, benzodiazepines, and other narcotics.
These enforcement efforts reflect the department’s continued focus on protecting children, removing dangerous drugs and weapons from our community, and holding offenders accountable.
The Covington Police Department remains dedicated to serving the citizens of Covington with professionalism and a strong commitment to public safety.
Washington Parish Included in National Celebration of America's 250th Birthday
Source: Washington Parish Government
Washington Parish is proud to be part of Washingtons Unite—a national initiative bringing together communities named for our first President, George Washington, as America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday.
As part of this project, 29 Washington communities were invited to contribute a custom quilting square to a commemorative quilt. Washington Parish was honored to enlist Sandy Miller, a parish native and the parish’s only member of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Alongside fellow quilter Kathy Mauthe, this square was thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit, heritage, and pride of our parish. Note:
Washington Parish is proud to represent Louisiana as the only parish included, joining Washington communities nationwide in this meaningful America 250 tribute.
We also recognize Sandy and Kathy’s work with the Quilts of Valor Foundation, whose mission is to cover Service Members and Veterans with quilts of comfort and honor. As of January 2026, more than 437,000 quilts have been awarded.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Sandy and Kathy for sharing their time and talent. Their work ensures that Washington Parish will forever be stitched into this historic national tribute.
We are proud to announce that this commemorative quilt will be on display at the Washington Parish Free Fair—bringing this national project home for our community to experience.
Each square tells a story. Together, they reflect something greater.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 19-20, 2026
Barrical Harris (age 47 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer, Switched License Plates, Stopping Standing or Parking Prohibited in Specific Places, No Proof of Insurance, Driving Under Suspension, Drivers License Not on Person, and Registration/No Proof/Must Carry by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2100.00.
Hillary McWhirter (age 64 with address not listed) was booked on the charge of Cruelty to Infirm by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Robert Gier (age 58 with address not listed) was booked on the chaarges of Home Invasion, Armed Robbery With Firearm, and Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
John Burkhalter (age 63 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer, Aggravated Assault, and Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Marcus Kagler (age 53 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer, Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness, and Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land After Forbidden by the Franklinton Police Department. Kagler was also charged with Bond Surrender by Agency not listed. Bond information is incomplete at this time.
Amanda Mingo (age 40 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness, Resisting an Officer With Force, and Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land After Forbidden by the Franklinton Police Department. Mingo was also charged with Bond Surrender by Agency not listed. Bond information is incomplete at this time.
Alvis Baham (age 55 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Reginald Payne (age 50 with no address listed) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule III Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Trust Based Relationship Intervention Workshop is May 12th
From Chaos to Connection: How Trust-Based Relationships Can Transform Youth Behavior is an event hosted by ADAPT, Inc. Click here for more about the event.
ADAPT is dedicated to building a healthier community by addressing critical issues like sexual assault, violence, substance abuse and harmful behaviors. Through prevention, intervention, and post-intervention, the aim is to create lasting positive change. Click here for their Facebook page and click here for their website.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 58. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday Sunny, with a high near 83. Light east wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
April 20, 2026
LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message
Deciduous Azaleas: Bare in the Winter Then Bursts of Color
As the Southern Indica azaleas – such as the magenta-flowered Formosa, the light pink George Lindley Taber, and the white G.G. Gerbing – reach the end of their late winter and springtime show, we start to see bursts of color on plants that recently looked bare. While evergreen azaleas are better known, all azaleas native to Louisiana are deciduous. These and species from other parts of the southeastern US add to the color that we see in our early spring landscapes.
In Louisiana, in the wild, most deciduous azaleas produce pink or white flowers. People call Rhododendron canescens by a number of names, including wild azalea, piedmont azalea, hoary azalea, and southern pinxter azalea. It’s also sometimes called bush honeysuckle due to the appearance of its flowers. It tends to grow along shady streambanks in the Florida Parishes. Piedmont azalea typically reaches about 6 feet tall, though it can grow taller.
A second species native to Louisiana is swamp azalea (R. viscosum). As the name suggests, it grows in wet areas. As on piedmont azalea, the flowers can be white or pink but, on this one, are typically white.
The Florida flame azalea (R. austrinum) isn’t considered native to Louisiana, but it’s one of the more commonly planted deciduous azaleas and is native to much of the rest of the Deep South. Its flowers are typically yellow to orange.
Besides these mentioned, there are hybrids that have been bred from these and other deciduous species. Some are better adapted to the Deep South than others. The Aromi series, for example, was bred for tolerance to the Deep South’s heat.
Like other azaleas, deciduous ones grow where soil is acidic. While some can be found in heavily shaded conditions in nature, partial sun conditions are likely to result in more flowers than deep shade.
Let me know if you have questions.
Click here for previous LSU AgCenter's Weekly Messages
Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson is an Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter, with horticulture responsibilities in Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes. Contact Mary Helen at mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu, 985-277-1850 (Hammond), or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Calm wind.
Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Light east wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
April 19, 2026
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 18, 2026
Anthony Hand (age 46 with Lucedale, Ms. address) was booked on the charge of Driving While Intoxicated by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond information is unavailable.
Nicky Emmons (age 42 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs (Tetrahydrocannabinols or Synthetic Cannabinoids) by Washington Parish Government. No bond set at this time.
Katelynn Mulina (age 23 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Burglary of a Religious Building by Washington Parish Government. 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 30 percent chance of showers before 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. Calm wind.
Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
April 18, 2026
Arrest Made in Child Exploitation of Autistic/Disabled Victims
In January 2026, the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit (LSP SVU) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baton Rouge Resident Office (FBI BRRO) were contacted by the FBI Charlotte Field Office regarding a child exploitation investigation originating in Jacksonville. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 31-year-old Nathaniel Hill of Maurepas.
The investigation involved more than sixty adult men attempting to sexually exploit a fourteen-year-old autistic child through the social media application Snapchat. Through investigative efforts, Nathaniel Hill was identified as a suspect in the case. An arrest warrant was subsequently obtained through the 21st Judicial District Court in Livingston Parish.
On April 17, 2026, LSP SVU, the FBI, and the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office executed a search and arrest warrant at Hill’s residence on Swan Street. Hill was taken into custody without incident. Hill was arrested for thirty-five (35) counts of Pornography Involving Juveniles and three (3) counts of Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material. He was booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
At this time, investigators believe there may be at least twenty additional victims. Many of the identified victims appear to be children with disabilities. This investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are expected.
LSP SVU works to rescue and seek justice for the victims of crimes involving the exploitation of children and the trafficking of humans for sex or labor through investigative partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and through public education. The public plays an important role in identifying suspects accused of these crimes and is urged to report criminal or suspicious activity. The Louisiana State Police online reporting system is available to the public through an anonymous reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. The form can be found by visiting http://la-safe.org/ and clicking on the “Suspicious Activity” link.
“Buckle Up in Your Truck" Traffic Safety Campaign
Press Release from the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office
We are happy to announce that Washington Parish deputy sheriffs will be partnering with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC) - April 18 to 25, 2026 - for the “Buckle Up in Your Truck Traffic Safety Campaign”.
There will be extra deputies patrolling the roads next week after the Washington Parish Sheriff was awarded a grant from the LHSC to reduce traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities.
Since 2020, Washington Parish has lost 73 lives in traffic-related events. Grants like these help ensure we can keep deputies on the roads and prevent more of these deaths.
Stay safe on the roads this week while traveling to visit family and friends, and make sure to click it or get a ticket.
To learn more about the LHSC, visit https://www.lahighwaysafety.org/ or contact 985-925-6991.
Note: Dozens of other law enforcement agencies are also partnering with LHSC. Remember: Click it or Ticket!
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 15-17, 2026
James Singletary (age 36 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond information unknown.
Jason Swords (age 46 with Carriere, Ms. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.
Russell Bonura (age 18 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation. No bond set at this time.
Isaiah Segesman (age 21 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Timothy Hall (age 52 with Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving Without Headlights, Failure to Appear, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. 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 Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Tonight A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 50. Light and variable wind becoming north 10 to 15 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday A 30 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Calm wind.
April 17, 2026
This Week in Louisiana Agriculture
From weather setbacks to rising input costs, this week’s TWILA takes a look at the current challenges facing Louisiana agriculture. Farmers in Northeast Louisiana are replanting corn after a late freeze, while a new American Farm Bureau Federation survey shows fertilizer costs continue to strain operations. This and much more on This Week in Louisiana Agriculture.
A Dairy Farm in Amite & a Beef Farm in Mt. Hermon
As family-owned dairies continue to decline, one dairy farm in Amite and a beef farm in Mt. Hermon are finding new ways to keep the the farming tradition alive. The Nagra Family Dairy and the Green Angus Farm are featured.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 86. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight Increasing clouds, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Saturday Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 51. South wind 5 to 15 mph becoming north after midnight.
Sunday A 30 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. North wind around 5 mph.
April 16, 2026
STPSO Deputies Detain Woman in Mental Health Crisis
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a woman experiencing an apparent mental health crisis shortly after 6:30 a.m. Wednesday (April 16, 2026) in Slidell.
Deputies located a 51-year-old woman in the area of Louisiana Highway 433 near a gas station. She was unclothed and behaving erratically in the roadway, reportedly throwing objects, removing her clothing and attempting to enter passing vehicles. These actions occurred as many children were on their way to school and school buses were passing.
Due to her behavior and for the safety of all involved, deputies deployed a non-lethal Taser to bring the situation under control.
The woman was subsequently transported by emergency medical personnel to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation. Upon release from medical treatment, she will be taken into custody and arrested on charges related to her actions.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Patchy dense fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday Sunny, with a high near 85. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
April 15, 2026
Poplarville MS Man Guilty of Solicitation of a Minor
District Attorney Collin Sims announced today (April 15, 2026) the successful conviction of Michael Stanley Lang, age 56 and of Poplarville, Mississippi, for Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor. The conviction follows a trial, presided over by the Honorable Judge Richard Swartz. The guilty verdict, delivered by a St Tammany Parish jury, concludes a case that centered on the defendant’s deliberate efforts to groom and entice an individual he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. Assistant District Attorneys Christina Fisher and Taylor Nicholson prosecuted the case.
The prosecution’s case follows a proactive undercover investigation initiated by the Covington Police Department, into the online solicitation of minors. It detailed a digital trail of explicit communication between Lang and an undercover officer. Despite the defendant's defense claims regarding intent, the trial revealed a consistent pattern of behavior. Evidence presented by the State showed that Lang knowingly engaged in sexually charged messaging, a fact further solidified by his own testimony on the stand.
During closing arguments, ADA Nicholson pointed directly to the defendant’s admissions as the clearest proof of his goals. “The sexual conduct we discussed hits right on the head,” ADA Nicholson said. “Intent...how can we tell? His actions and words. The defendant’s own statements proved that to you. He said ‘yes,’ he said these things.”
ADA Fisher further emphasized the reality of the defendant's actions during her closing remarks, noting that Lang was fully aware of the age of the person he was messaging. “He knowingly communicated with a person who he reasonably believed was under 17,” ADA Fisher stated. “He knew he was talking to a real person. It is not things you message to a 15-year-old girl. It was for the purpose of enticing sexual conduct. Every piece of evidence points to his guilt.”
The defendant was remanded into the custody of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office following the verdict. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for July 8, 2026, before Judge Swartz.
“Protecting our children from digital predators remains a cornerstone of this office’s mission,” District Attorney Collin Sims said. “This conviction is a testament to the vigilance of our law enforcement partners and the skill of our prosecutors. We will not allow those who target the vulnerable to hide behind a screen; we will find them, and we will bring them to justice.”
DA Sims would like to thank the 22nd JDC Special Victims Unit, including the Covington Police Department, Slidell Police Department, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations, for their partnership and diligent work in this investigation. Thanks are also extended to the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.
Two Mandeville-area Teens Arrested Following Home Invasion
Two Mandeville-area teenagers were arrested Monday (April 13, 2026) following a violent early morning home invasion in which a firearm was discharged at a woman inside her residence in the 1110 block of Lafayette Street near Mandeville. The victim was not struck, and the suspect fled the scene immediately after the incident.
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Patrol deputies responded shortly after 4:45 a.m. and quickly identified the suspect as 17-year-old Andrew Easly of the Mandeville area. Deputies also identified and arrested a 16-year-old male accomplice who participated in the incident.
Easly was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Attempted Murder, Possession of Burglary Tools, Home Invasion, and Juvenile in Possession of a Firearm. The 16-year-old male was booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center on the charges of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Attempted Murder, and Possession of Burglary Tools.
“This was an extremely dangerous and reckless act that could have ended in the loss of life,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “We are very fortunate the victim was not injured. I want to commend our patrol deputies for their rapid response and swift investigative work in identifying and apprehending those responsible. Their professionalism and dedication ensured these individuals were taken off the street before anyone else was put at risk.”
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Multi-Agency Narcotics Arrest and Seizures in Slidell
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division detectives, in coordination with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division and the FBI New Orleans Gang Task Force, have concluded a multi-agency narcotics investigation resulting in the arrest of a Slidell man and the seizure of illegal drugs, firearms and cash.
The investigation originated when JPSO Narcotics detectives identified an individual believed to be distributing large quantities of cocaine throughout Orleans and Jefferson parishes. The suspect was identified as Slidell-resident Christopher Miles.
As the investigation progressed, participating agencies coordinated efforts to execute simultaneous search warrants across St. Tammany, Jefferson and Orleans parishes. STPSO Narcotics Division detectives executed a search warrant at Miles’ residence in the 1500 block of Kings Row. Miles was located at the residence and taken into custody.
During the search, detectives also located and seized:
- Three firearms
- $6,318 in U.S. currency
- Approximately 10 ounces of cocaine
- 2.6 grams of crack cocaine
- 14.2 grams of marijuana
- 13 dosage units of hydrocodone
- 1 dosage unit of diethylpropion
- Various items of drug paraphernalia
Christopher Miles was transported to the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center and booked on the charge of Firearm in the Presence of CDS and numerous illegal narcotics related charges.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for April 14, 2026
Kristina Lang (age 33 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Eric Brister (age 57 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer/Simple Assault, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Cocaine by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Cathy Knight (age 38 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs and Possession of Schedule I Drugs/Tetrahydrocannabinols or Synthetic Cannabinoids by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Kenneth Sisco (age 43 with Summit, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Lane Usage, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
David Garibay (age 57 with Bush, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs/Tetrahydrocannabinols or Synthetic Cannabinoids, Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Bogalusa Police Reports Multiple Drug and Weapons Arrests
The Bogalusa Police Department reports a series of arrests over the weekend and earlier in the week stemming from proactive patrol efforts, traffic enforcement, and ongoing investigations into suspicious activity throughout the city.
April 9, 2026
Officers responded to a report of shots fired in the area of Riverside Drive. A traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle leaving the area, and officers made contact with Jeremiah Gales (21) of Bogalusa. During the investigation, officers recovered a stolen handgun, an AR-15-style rifle, and marijuana from the vehicle. Gales, who was prohibited from possessing firearms due to active court proceedings, was arrested and charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm (LRS 14:69.1), Illegal Use of Weapons, Violation of a Protective Order, Illegal Carrying of Weapons, and Possession of Marijuana.
Officers responded to a call for service on the south side of Bogalusa and made contact with Lucious
Brister (73) of Bogalusa. Officers observed drug paraphernalia in plain view and, during a subsequent investigation, located crack cocaine in his possession. Brister was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine (LRS 40:967) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
April 11, 2026
Officers observed suspicious activity on the south side of Bogalusa and made contact with Eric Brister (57) of Bogalusa. Following a brief investigation, Brister was found to be in possession of crack cocaine and was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine (LRS 40:967) as well as possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer.
April 12, 2026
Officers conducted a traffic stop in the Pleasant Hill area. The driver, Christopher Smith (43) of Bogalusa, was arrested for traffic violations and resisting an officer. Upon arrival at the city jail, officers discovered crack cocaine on Smith’s person. He was subsequently charged with Possession of Cocaine (LRS 40:967) in addition to the initial charges.
Officers conducting surveillance encountered Alton Thompson (68) of Bogalusa engaging in activity consistent with illegal narcotics use. A subsequent investigation resulted in the discovery of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Thompson was arrested and charged with Possession of Cocaine (LRS 40:967) as well as possession of drug paraphernalia.
Officers made contact with Keonsha Greely (42) and Unshon Brister (59), both of Bogalusa, in an area known for narcotics activity. During the investigation, officers located crack cocaine on Greely and drug paraphernalia on Brister. Greely was charged with Possession of Cocaine (LRS 40:967) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Brister was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Resisting an Officer after providing false identification.
Officers were conducting an insurance checkpoint and made contact with Lawrence Anthony Allen (23) of Franklinton. Officers identified Allen as a suspect in a recent theft investigation and detected the odor of marijuana emanating from his vehicle. Further investigation revealed Allen was in possession of marijuana and a firearm. Due to a prior felony conviction, Allen is prohibited from possessing firearms. He was arrested and charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (LRS 14:95.1), Possession of Marijuana, and Driving Without a Valid License.
The Bogalusa Police Department remains committed to proactive policing and will continue efforts to combat illegal drug activity and violent crime within the community.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tonight Patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Thursday Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
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