*******Click the images to visit our advertisers' websites or Facebook pages. Political ads are paid for by the candidates and placements here do not constitute an endorsement by Mt. Hermon Web TV*******.

March 18, 2024

Convicted Sex Offender Arrested for Pornography in Tangipahoa Parish

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Cyber Crime Unit arrested 58-year-old David Hollingsworth, a previously convicted sex offender, of Hammond, last Thursday (March 14, 2024) for violating LA R.S. 14:81.1 Pornography Involving Juveniles (7 counts) 

The investigation began as a result of cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

This arrest was a result of a joint investigation with General Murrill’s Cyber Crime Unit, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations.

Hollingsworth was booked into Tangipahoa Parish Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.

WPSS Hiring: Accounting Clerk at MHS



Rep. John Wyble Unveils Legislative Priorities & Agenda for the 2024 Regular Legislative Session

Franklinton, LA — The first regular legislative session of the year is underway, and Representative John Wyble stands ready to represent the interests of Washington Parish with dedication and vigor. Throughout the preceding special sessions focusing on crime and redistricting, Representative Wyble continuously championed the priorities of Washington Parish, ensuring that the voices of families and communities were heard loud and clear.

In this regular session, Representative Wyble pledges to continue his advocacy for Washington Parish, focusing on critical issues affecting residents' daily lives. His legislative priorities encompass a wide range of concerns, including insurance affordability, economic and workforce development, high-quality education, and support for Louisiana's agricultural sector. Moreover, he is committed to being a steadfast advocate for rural communities, recognizing their unique strengths, needs, and challenges.

Representative Wyble is proud to unveil his legislative agenda for the 2024 Regular Legislative Session, which includes several impactful bills aimed at addressing pressing issues in education, governance, and campaign finance:

House Bill 112: If we want our children to succeed, accountability in education is critical at every level. Under HB 112, we’re requiring superintendents' contracts to be subject to evaluation, and one-third of the evaluation must be focused on growth in student achievement after third grade in math and literacy.

House Bill 115: The bill allows teachers to get back to the basics by removing certain instructional requirements for younger students that are not centered around reading, writing, or mathematics. These instructional requirements will still be taught, but to older students in Louisiana schools. This allows for a more age-appropriate curriculum alignment and potentially reduces the burden on younger students and teachers while maintaining important educational components for older students.

House Bill 188: This bill enhances the qualifications of our local elected school board members by ensuring they must have a minimum educational qualification and do not have certain criminal backgrounds that might be considered incompatible with their responsibilities in overseeing educational matters.

House Bill 664:  This bill amends existing laws by increasing the qualifications for United States senators and representatives in Congress. These amendments aim to establish stricter qualifications and certification requirements for individuals seeking to run for United States senator or representative in Congress from Louisiana.

House Bill 675: These amendments aim to provide greater accountability in compliance with campaign finance laws by streamlining the enforcement process, ensuring fairness in determining penalties, and maintaining confidentiality where necessary during legal proceedings related to campaign finance violations in Louisiana.

As these legislative initiatives progress, Wyble encourages constituents to stay informed by following his social media channels for regular updates or by visiting legis.la.gov/Legis/BillSearch and selecting "Search by Author" > "Wyble, John E. (H)." Constituent feedback is invaluable, and Wyble welcomes questions, concerns, or suggestions for new legislation, underscoring the importance of collective engagement in shaping the future of Washington Parish.

Vulture Gang Members Arrested in St. Tammany

Several suspected members of a locally based criminal organization known as the Vulture Gang “VG” and some of their associates are back in jail following a three-month-long joint investigation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics Division and Homeland Security Investigations.

On Thursday (March 14, 2024), STPSO detectives and HSI agents executed search warrants at the following residences:

  • The home of 22-year-old Jaylon Terry Carter at the Pinecrest Apartments in Covington
  • The home of 28-year-old Malik Deshawn Anderson, which was being utilized for criminal activity by both Anderson and 25-year-old Diego Montez Smith, in the 800 block of N. Filmore Street in Covington
  • The family residence of 28-year-old Rico Alonzo Bedford, which was being utilized for criminal activity by both Bedford and 30-year-old Mikail Omar Washington, in the 20000 block of Bogue Falaya Avenue in Covington
  • The primary residence of Rico Bedford and his girlfriend, 30-year-old Angelique Monique Domino, in the 100 block of Marylin Drive in Slidell

During their investigation into the VG organization, detectives and agents seized the following illegal items:

  • Approximately 5,700 counterfeit oxycodone tablets containing fentanyl (nearly 2 pounds)
  • Approximately 3 pounds of marijuana
  • 37 Alprazolam tablets (Xanax)
  • 6.1 grams of psilocybin
  • 1.8 grams of amphetamine powder1 oxycodone tablet
  • 1 bottle of promethazine
  • $5,128 in cash
  • Assorted drug paraphernalia indicative of the street level distribution of illegal drugs

As a result, several arrests were made.

  1. Jaylon Terry Carter, who is currently on supervised probation for a previous conviction of possession of a schedule IV controlled dangerous substance and illegal carrying of weapons. 
  2. Diego Montez Smith, who is currently on supervised probation for attempted illegal carrying of weapons, possession of stolen firearms and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana. 
  3. Rico Alonzo Bedford, who is currently on supervised probation for possession of cocaine and was out on bond for Racketeering (previous Vulture Gang case), attempted possession of a firearm by convicted felon and possession of a firearm by convicted felon.  
  4. Mikail Omar Washington, who was out on bond for Racketeering (previous Vulture Gang case), attempted second-degree murder and possession of a schedule I controlled dangerous substance. 
  5. Malik Deshawn Anderson 
  6. Angelique Monique Domino 

This investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.

“We have a great partnership with Homeland Security, and the detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Narcotics Unit work closely with them to identify those individuals dealing illegal drugs in our community,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “These arrests are because of that strong partnership. Together we want to send a clear message that gang activity will not be tolerated in St. Tammany Parish.”

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 16-17, 2024

Donnie Magee (age 44 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Lane Usage, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Marijuana. No bond set at this time.

Kristin Warner (age 43 with Angie, La. address) was booked In From Court

Terion Partman (age 23 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Assault With a Firearm by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

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

Obituary

Shawn James Dykes

May 14, 1972 - March 17, 2024

Obituary

Nelda Toney Lewis

August 8, 1939 - March 16, 2024

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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


Today   Sunny, with a high near 63. Breezy, with a north wind 10 to 20 mph.
Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 33. North wind 5 to 15 mph.
Tuesday   Sunny, with a high near 62. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. West wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. South wind around 5 mph.

March 17, 2024

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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


Today   A 100% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 68. Light northeast wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Tonight   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. North wind 5 to 15 mph.
Monday   Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 63. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph.
Monday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 34. North wind 5 to 15 mph.
Tuesday   Sunny, with a high near 63. North wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

March 16, 2024

Obituary

Charles E. Thomas

December 18, 1954 - March 16, 2024

LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message

Snap Beans Can be Planted in March

Snap bean plants are frost sensitive, but since they’re planted as seeds and it takes 7 to 14 days for them to emerge, planting in early to mid-March in the southern part of Louisiana will often allow them to escape our last frost. As when planting sweet corn, the soil temperature should be at least 60 degrees F.

Seeds can be planted till mid-May in the spring and can then be sown again between mid-August and mid-September for a fall harvest. Because snap bean flowers are sensitive to high temperatures, planting between mid-May and mid-August is not advised.

There are both bush and pole varieties of snap beans. Pole beans need a structure to climb and typically take a longer to start bearing than bush varieties do, but once they do, they produce for a longer period. To extend the harvest of bush beans, a new planting can be made every couple of weeks.

Pole bean varieties include Kentucky Blue, McCaslan, and Rattlesnake. Bush varieties include Bronco, Bush Blue Lake 274, Provider, Roma II, Royal Burgundy, and Strike.

Soil pH for snap beans should be between pH 5.5 and 6.8.

For every 100 feet of row or 300 square feet, 2.5 pounds (5 cups) of 8-24-24 or another complete fertilizer can be mixed into the soil before planting. Snap bean seed can be damaged by direct contact with fertilizer, so mix fertilizer into the soil well. Optionally, you can also side-dress plants three to four weeks after planting with calcium nitrate, at a rate of 1.5 pounds per 100 feet of row / 300 square feet.

Within each row, space bush bean seeds 2 to 3 inches apart. When planting pole beans, hills with 4 to 5 seeds can be spaced 6 to 12 inches apart. Plant seeds about 1 inch deep.

It will take approximately 50 to 55 days till the first bush beans are ready to pick and about 60 to 65 days for pole beans. Harvest beans before pods starts to bulge due to the growing seeds and while they’re still tender.

Lima or butter beans can be planted soon, too. Because they don’t tolerate cool soil as well as snap beans, wait till later in March, when the soil temperature is at least 65 degrees F.

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 or 985-277-1850 (Hammond) or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 14-15, 2024

Clayton Wilson (age 64 with Baton Rouge, La. address) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction and Possession of Stolen Property by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $7500.00.

Jennifer McDaniel (age 51 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

William Robinson (age 50 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Distribution of Schedule 1 CDS, Manufacture/Cultivation of Schedule 1 Drugs, and Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. 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 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. North wind around 5 mph.
Tonight   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday   A 90% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 69. East wind 5 to 10 mph.  New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Sunday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. North wind 5 to 15 mph.
Monday   Sunny, with a high near 62. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph.
Monday Night   Areas of frost after 5am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 34. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

March 15, 2024

Obituary

James Michael Terry

December 7, 1949 - March 14, 2024

Obituary

Emmanuel Rachal

October 23, 1937 - March 9, 2024

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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


Today   A 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 79. South wind 5 to 15 mph becoming north in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. East wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the evening.
Saturday   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Saturday Night   A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the evening.
Sunday   A 90% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 69. North wind 5 to 10 mph. 
Sunday Night   A 10% chance of thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. North wind around 10 mph.

March 14, 2024

74 Year-Old Dies in House Fire North of Franklinton

State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams is continuing to ask the people of Louisiana for fire safety awareness and diligence when it comes to smoking following the state’s latest home fire fatality.

Just after 3 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12, Washington Parish Fire District #4 responded to a call for a house fire located in the 31000 block of Highway 424 north of Franklinton. Unfortunately, firefighters located the body of the 74-year-old male homeowner in the home’s living room. The extent of the damage has deputies still working to determine where in the home this fire started as well as its cause. However, relatives report that the victim had a history of smoking in the home and while using oxygen equipment.

“Almost half of the lives lost to home fires this year have had some connection to unsafe smoking,” said Adams, “You should always smoke outdoors and fully extinguish and discard smoking materials in appropriate containers. These are just two simple prevention steps that can save your life and the lives of those who live with you.”

Regarding smoking and medical oxygen, the SFM advises people to never smoke, and never allow anyone to smoke where medical oxygen is used. Medical oxygen can cause materials to ignite more easily and make fires burn at a faster rate because oxygen is fuel to fire. In addition:

• Candles, matches, wood stoves and even sparking toys can be ignition sources and should not be used in a home where medical oxygen is utilized.

• Keep oxygen cylinders at least five feet from a heat source, open flames, or electrical devices.

• Body oil, hand lotion, and items containing oil and grease can easily ignite. Keep oil and grease away where oxygen is in use.

• Never use aerosol sprays containing combustible materials near the oxygen.

In addition, while deputies did confirm the home had smoke alarms, they were not in working condition at the time of the fire. If you have smoke alarms in your home, ensure they are working by confirming effective batteries with a press of the test button today.

If you need assistance obtaining smoke alarms for your home, Operation Save-A-Life can help. To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, or to register for a free smoke alarm installation, visit our website at lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.

Obituary

Laurel Kirby Green Northcutt

December 20, 1965 - March 11, 2024

Obituary

Benton "Benjy" Cothran McNabb, Jr.

November 6, 1942 - March 13, 2024

Won't You Adopt?

1.  Handsome Viktor is going to be available March 25 and you won't want to miss out on this big guy! He is a mellow pup who is not hyper active and prefers to chill out over running and playing. He will be your best of friends with just some butt scratches and loves everyone he meets! He is good with children and other dogs but we do recommend older children as he is not one for alot of commotion. We cannot say enough good things about this handsome boy so stop by to meet him and see if he's a good fit for you!

2.  Little Kylo is still with us so we had some fun in the adoption room today and snapped a photo of him sitting pretty. He is a smaller dog at only 27lbs and believed to be a schnauzer mix. He is wonderful with children, doesn't mind cats and is also amazing with other dogs! He has the cutest little mohawk down his back right now and is always eager for attention and love. He is super smart and we have been working with him on basic commands which he is picking up. He is currently ready for adoption and just looking for his forever home!

3.  Meet Djali! Because this big guy will be ready in a week for adoption, we did a little photo shoot with him and as you can see he was only too eager to show his amazing personality for it! He is believed to be a husky mixed with either bulldog or mastiff based on his size. He has the most outgoing and loveable personality and is always up for a walk! He is great with other dogs and children and has been a larger than life pup since being here. He will be available for adoption March 25.

Click here to meet more!

14 Year-old Slidell Area Student Arrested for Menacing

A 14-year-old student at a Slidell-area junior high school was arrested Wednesday (March 13, 2024) after he posted on social media he was going to “shoot up” another local junior high school.

Editors Note: This sort of thing has become way too common and, I believe, often not reported. Click here for previous reports

Deputies and detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office were notified after another student told administrators about the threat.

The boy was issued a summons for Menacing and was released into the care of a parent on a custodial agreement to appear in court.

“We have made it very clear that threats like this will be taken seriously,” St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith said.  “We will continue to work with our schools and investigate any and all threats made at our schools or to the students and faculty who attend them.”

Drug Dealers’ Mom Now Also in St. Tammany Jail

The mother of an individual arrested last week on drug charges is now also behind bars after detectives learned she was continuing her son’s illegal drug operation while he was incarcerated.

Click here for the previous related story

Following the arrest of Allen Tate, Jr. last week, detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics Division obtained information which led them to believe Tate’s mother, 38 year-old Monique Sagona, was in possession of a significant quantity of illegal narcotics, which she intended to sell with assistance from Tate who was still incarcerated in the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.

Further investigation led to detectives obtaining and executing a search warrant Thursday (March 12, 2024) at Sagona’s residence located in the 73000 block of Iron Street in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Abita Springs.

Detectives located and seized the following items at Sagona’s residence: 50 doses suspected LSD (acid), 0.7 grams of suspected cocaine, 12 chocolate bars suspected to contain psylocibin mushrooms, 332 grams of suspected psylocibin mushrooms, 4 dosage units of Vyvanse, 36 dosage units of counterfeit Adderall pills suspected to contain fentanyl, 6 grams of suspected heroin, 10 one-gram THC vapes, 1.57 pounds of suspected marijuana, and an assortment of drug paraphernalia.

Detectives ultimately confirmed Tate and Sagona were conspiring to continue Tate’s distribution of narcotics while Tate was incarcerated. Sagona was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoids (4 counts), Possession of Schedule II CDS (2 counts), Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS (3 counts), Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS (2 counts), Attempt and Conspiracy regarding the distribution of illegal narcotics, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Detectives also obtained an arrest warrant for Tate who was booked additionally for the following: Attempt and Conspiracy Regarding the Distribution of Illegal Narcotics

“This is not the kind of family business we want operating in our parish,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “The detectives with our Narcotics Division are dedicated to getting illegal drugs out of neighborhoods. They do not simply make arrests, they continue to work cases until they uncover and arrests all individuals involved.”

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 13, 2024

Letesha Smith (age 28 with Osyka, Ms. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jason Songer (age 29 with Covington, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft 25000 or More by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Christopher Magee (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Speeding 1-10 Over Limit, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Wilton McCain (age 25 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Steven Deville (age 44 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles, Improper Lane Usage, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of CDS With Weapon Present by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Thomas Washington (age 56 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, 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   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between noon and 5pm. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 15 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4am. Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.
Friday   A 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog before 7am. High near 78. South wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday Night   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Saturday   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Obituary

Paulette Lenora Forbes Spears

August 7, 1953 - March 13, 2024

March 13, 2024

Obituary

Marsha K. Spikes

November 26, 1953 - March 9, 2024

Habitual Offender Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Domestic Violence Offenses

District Attorney Collin Sims (Interim) reports that on March 12, 2024, 33-year-old Tavaris Pam of Madisonville, pled guilty immediately prior to the commencement of his scheduled jury trial on charges of domestic abuse aggravated assault, domestic abuse battery, violation of protective orders and resisting an officer. The defendant also pled guilty to a domestic abuse battery by strangulation regarding an unrelated incident. Following Pam’s guilty plea, District Judge Tara Zeller sentenced him as a “habitual offender” to 35 years in prison. Pam has numerous prior felony convictions, three of which were crimes of violence. The defendant also has a documented history of committing violence against various domestic partners, spanning more than 16 years. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Iain Dover and Amanda Gritten.

In October 2020, Mandeville Police received a report of domestic violence in Mandeville. Upon arrival, officers saw a woman in the street pointing in the direction of the defendant. When officers attempted to detain the defendant, he told them, "I'm not going back to jail!" and fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, the defendant was apprehended and taken into custody. Officers then questioned the victim and she stated the defendant had physically attacked her, punching her numerous times in her face and head. The defendant also attempted to stab the victim with a knife but was thwarted when another household member intervened on behalf of the victim. Officers recovered the knife from the scene and documented the victim’s facial injuries and the crime scene via photographs.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 12, 2024

Barbara Taylor (age 71 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic
Abuse/Aggravated Assault by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2500.00 bond.

David Hall (age 40 with no listed address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Flight From an Officer, Aggravated Assault With a Motor Vehicle on a Peace Officer (3 counts), Resisting an Officer, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, and Possession of Schedule IV Drugs. Bond set at $150000.00.

Joshua King (age 32 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Turn/Accident, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility, and Distribution of Schedule II CDS (2 counts). Bond set at $150000.00.

Jennifer Nelson (age 47 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Megan Petrolia (age 34 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Lane Usage, Expired Drivers License, Possession of Schedule III Drugs, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $100000.00.

Rushawn Fabre (age 29 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts). Bond set at $10000.00.

Ronald Thrash (age 64 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

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

Tickfaw Man Wanted for Possession of Stolen Vehicle

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office is asking the public's assistance in locating 23 year-old Terrence J. Johnson of Tickfaw, wanted for Illegal Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. 

On February 15, 2024, Terrence was seen operating a stolen vehicle, a red 2019 Mercedes, and was reported to be parked at a residence on Woodhaven Road in Tickfaw. 

When deputies arrived and located the vehicle, two black males fled from the area. It was later determined Terrence Johnson was the driver of the vehicle.

Sheriff Edwards asks anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Johnson to contact Sergeant Wylie Foster at 985-748-3337, OR if you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous 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.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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


Today   A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. 
Tonight   Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday   A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night   A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph.
Friday   A 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 79. South wind 5 to 10 mph. 
Friday Night   A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph. 

March 12, 2024

2nd Suspect Arrested for Fraudulent Activity

The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office (WPSO) announces the arrest of Otrevious Harris, Sr. on March 11, 2024, in connection with fraudulent activities. Deputy Dillon Kent responded to a dispatch at a Bogalusa address, where Harris was identified and subsequently detained in accordance with warrants issued by the WPSO.

The incident traces back to April 2023, when Sergeant Easterling was dispatched to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Bogalusa, Louisiana to investigate a fraud case. During the investigation, it was revealed that Harris had presented fraudulent documents on behalf of Michael Anthony Magee in an attempt to obtain a driver's license. An observant employee at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) detected the discrepancy, leading to the discovery of the fraudulent activity.

As a result, warrants were issued for Otrevious Romel Harris and Michael Anthony Magee for violating LARS 14:132 - Injuring Public Records (Felony). Subsequently, on April 16, 2023, a WPSO deputy arrested Michael Anthony Magee, who was wanted on outstanding warrants.

Harris's arrest on March 11, 2024, underscores the commitment of the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office to combat fraudulent activities and uphold the integrity of public records. Following his arrest, Harris was transported to the Bogalusa Washington Parish Sheriff's Office for processing and subsequently transferred to the Washington Parish Jail for booking.

The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office urges anyone with information on similar incidents to come forward and assist law enforcement in maintaining the integrity of public records.

Obituary

Cecil Bryant Thompson

March 31, 1931 - March 7, 2024

Congresswoman Julia Letlow Announces Funding

On Monday (March 11, 2024), Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) announced she secured $37.39 million in community project funding that will directly go back to the Fifth District of Louisiana. In addition, hundreds of millions in programmatic funding will benefit the State of Louisiana in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. “My number one mission in Congress is to give back to our communities,” said Rep. Letlow. 

For Washington Parish, funding included 

  • $921,000 for the Washington Parish Government to replace a 911 data communications and telephone services tower.

  • $825,000 for Our Lady of the Angels Hospital, located in Bogalusa, for a helipad to conduct emergency airlifts of patients.
The full Press Release can be seen below

Former Tangipahoa Parish Educator Arrested for Sex Crimes

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office announces the arrest of 26 year-old Cameron McKnight
of Hammond in connection with several sex crimes. Sheriff Daniel Edwards says on February 27, 2024, the TPSO received a complaint of alleged indecent behavior between a former High School educator and students. 

According to the complainant, a substitute teacher and part time athletic coach, later identified as McKnight, had been speaking with students about his “body count”, referring to the number of women with whom he had prior sexual relations.

Detectives substantiated the allegations and Cameron McKnight was later arrested and charged with   Indecent behavior with juveniles and Prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student.

At the time of the complaint, McKnight was no longer employed at any school within Tangipahoa Parish.

Sheriff Edwards asks if anyone has further information about these or other occurrences as they relate to McKnight’s behavior with students, to contact Detective Henry DeJean at 985-902-2099, OR Crime Stoppers if you wish to remain anonymous. To submit an anonymous tip, call 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.

Any further information will be released if it becomes available

Obituary

Anthony Ervin Harry

March 20, 1954 - February 27, 2024

Louisiana State Police Troop L Welcomes New Troopers

Yesterday (March 11, 2024), four new Troopers joined the Louisiana State Police Troop L family. They were among 33 individuals who recently graduated from Cadet Class 103 after 24 weeks of intense mental, physical, and academic training.



Washington Parish Jail Bookings for March 11, 2024

James O'Brien (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

Cornelus Laurant (age 20 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of No License Plate and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $500.00.

Otrevious Harris (age 43 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Injuring Public Records by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $5000.00 bond.

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

Obituary

Timmie J. Ordoyne

August 2, 1962 - February 28, 2024

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 74. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight   Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight.
Wednesday   A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 5 to 10 mph. 
Wednesday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday   A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.
Thursday Night   A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind around 15 mph.