Abita Springs Man Accepts 50-Year Prison Sentence

District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that on the second day of jury selection, 31-year-old Allen Edward Tate, Jr. of Abita Springs, Louisiana, abruptly pleaded guilty before the Honorable Judge Vincent J. Lobello who sentenced Tate to 50 years in prison without the possibility of parole, probation, or a suspended sentence.

Tate pleaded guilty to 

• Second-Degree Rape
• Sexual Battery Involving a Victim Under the Age of Thirteen (13)
• Conspiracy to Distribute a Narcotic Drug to Persons Under Age Eighteen (2 counts
• Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile
• Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule III Controlled Dangerous Substance
• Illegal Carrying of a Weapon While in Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance

The charges stemmed from an investigation launched in September 2024 by the Covington Police Department after a mother discovered a written disclosure from her 13-year-old daughter detailing sexual abuse that occurred in March 2024. Investigators determined Tate met the victim and her older sister on Snapchat under the username "Slimeydude," offering to supply them with vapes. When Tate arrived at the victim's Covington home in the early morning hours, he lured the 12-year-old girl into his vehicle, locked the doors, and committed multiple acts of felony sexual abuse against her. Mere hours after the abuse, the defendant was arrested by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office in possession of numerous narcotics and booked into the jail. Covington Police Department detectives obtained the defendant’s clothing from booking and processed it for DNA. The victim’s DNA from the sexual assault was recovered from the defendant’s shorts he wore at the time of the offense.

At the time of the sexual assault, the defendant was on bond for two other cases involving felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile and possession with intent to distribute narcotics. The felony carnal knowledge stemmed from similar circumstances which involved the defendant forcing a 15-year-old to perform oral sex on him in exchange for a marijuana vape pen. While in custody following his arrest on October 2, 2023, Tate was recorded on jail phone calls admitting to the sexual encounter while claiming it was consensual.

Tate’s October 2, 2023, arrest followed a traffic stop and search warrant executed by STPSO Narcotics detectives on his vehicle and his Abita Springs residence. Search warrants yielded six firearms, body armor, cash, and substantial quantities of illicit narcotics, including over 450 fentanyl dosage units, ecstasy, MDMA, liquid LSD, methamphetamine, cocaine, Adderall, and hundreds of THC cartridges and edibles.

During today’s court proceeding, the victim’s mother delivered an emotional victim impact statement directly addressing the defendant: "You're exactly where you deserve to be - you did this to my daughter - I know she's not the only one. You'll never be able to do this to another kid again."

"Our office is dedicated to removing sexual predators and dangerous drug dealers from our streets to protect the most vulnerable members of our community - our children," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "Whether poisoning our neighborhoods with lethal narcotics like fentanyl or targeting young girls, offenders who exploit children will face uncompromising prosecution. This sentence ensures that a dangerous predator is taken out of our community and locked away for five decades without any opportunity for parole. We hope this resolution brings a measure of justice and peace to the victims and their families."

Assistant District Attorneys Shelby Stoop and Tiffany Dover prosecuted the case on behalf of the State. District Attorney Sims extends gratitude to the Covington Police Department, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit, the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office DNA Lab, and the Children's Advocacy Center - Hope House for their thorough investigative work and support for the victim throughout the process.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for September 14, 2026

Hunter Addison (age 22 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Expired Vehicle Registration, Open Container in Vehicle, Contributing to Delinquency of a Juvenile, Aggravated Obstruction of Commerce/Roadway, Aggravated Flight From an Officer, and Obstruction of Justice by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Dwayne Morgan (age 18 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

William Hardin (age 34 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Reginald Bingham (age 25 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Criminal Damage to Property, Domestic Abuse/Aggravated Assault, and Domestic Abuse/Aggravated Assault/Child Endangerment by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

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

Duo Arrested in Kentwood-area Drug Bust

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office has arrested two convicted felons in its latest narcotics investigation. Tedrick Lee, age 47, and Dashanae Harold, age 28, have been booked on three counts each of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Illegal Carrying of Weapons in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance, as well as one count each of Possession of a Legend Drug Without Prescription, Drug Paraphernalia, Violation of a Drug-Free Zone and Probation Violations.  

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

Over the past few weeks, TPSO Narcotics detectives have been investigating suspicious activity at a home on Oak Ridge Church Road in the Kentwood area, which is located within 2,000 feet of a church. Following confirmation of a drug operation underway at that location, warrants were obtained to search the property.

With assistance from TPSO SWAT, detectives located almost 300 grams of suspected illegal narcotics including fentanyl, meth, powder and crack cocaine, marijuana and MOJO along with prescription pills as well as production and distribution-related materials. Two rifles and a handgun were also found in the home, two of which were loaded, along with cash hidden in a cigar box.

Lee and Harold, convicted felons who were under active parole supervision at the time of this operation, were taken into custody and booked in connection with this investigation. An additional individual present at the time of the operation was booked on several outstanding Failure to Appear warrants.

As a reminder, if you’ve got information about suspicious activity in Tangipahoa Parish, but you prefer to share that 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! Tips submitted directly through Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.

Obituary

Wendell M. Sullivan, Jr. 

April 12, 1954 — September 13, 2026

Obituary

Tabitha Ann Desmond Cook

September 9, 1971 - September 13, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for September 13, 2026

Kent Heap (age 37) was booked on the charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Failure to Yield at Intersection by the Mandeville Police Department.

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

Philippe Loustau (age 49) was booked on the charges of DWI and Improper Lane Use by the Causeway Bridge Police.

Christopher Byrd (age 35) was booked on the charges of Tampering With Surveillance Accounting Inventory or Monitoring and Contempt of Court by the Slidell Police Department.

Naron Mack (age 25) was booked on charge(s) not listed by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Eric Schindler (age 29) was booked on the charges of DWI (4th/Subsequent Offense), Improper Lane Use, and Driving Under Suspension by the Louisiana State Police.

Malik Warren (age 29) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the Covington Police Department.

Melvin Cox (age 31) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Battery of a Dating Partner, Aggravated Assault Upon a Dating Partner, Battery of a Dating Partner, and Contempt of Court by the Slidell Police Department.

Cody Abram (age 31) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Kelly Raymond (age 53) was booked on the charge of Accessory After the Fact by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Shantell Thomas (age 49) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Aggravated Assault by the Slidell Police Department.

Eric Gaffney (age 53) was booked on the charges of Public Intimidation and Simple Battery by the Mandeville Police Department.

Horace Washington (age 57) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II 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.

Today   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Wednesday   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 93. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Thursday   Sunny, with a high near 92. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night   Clear, with a low around 66. Calm wind.

Tropical Disturbances Today

Central Subtropical Atlantic: A trough of low pressure is located well east-southeast of Bermuda. Environmental conditions are forecast to become more conducive for development in a few days, and a tropical depression could form late this week as the system moves slowly westward to west-northwestward over the subtropical Atlantic. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...40 percent.

Obituary

Ray Jenkins

May 29, 1942 – September 13, 2026

One Dead, One Injured in Independence Drive-By Shooting

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO), in collaboration with the Independence Police Department (IPD), is investigating a drive-by shooting that killed one man and injured another.

Around 9:30 p.m., IPD received a call for shots fired in the 200 block of Highway 40 in the city limits of Independence. Officers learned two victims were taken to a nearby hospital. Several hours later, 29-year-old Marquise Jackson from Independence was pronounced dead. A 20-year-old male victim was treated for his injuries and released.

TPSO detectives, along with Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations troopers and the FBI Violent Crime Task Force, responded to assist IPD with the investigation. This law enforcement partnership has been in place since the beginning of summer and is dispatched following all violent crime investigations in Tangipahoa Parish.

Detectives have learned the incident occurred during a birthday party after-party where a vehicle pulled up and started firing into the group.  

While the team is actively working several leads in this investigation, they are asking for any additional information the public may have. Tips can be shared with 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! Tips submitted directly through Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.

LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message

Managing Crapemyrtle Bark Scale: Part 2

My last couple of articles addressed what crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS) is and non-insecticide aspects of managing it. Here, I discuss insecticides.

There is no ideal insecticide-based management approach for CMBS. The easiest and, to my knowledge, most consistently effective way to treat it is with a soil-applied insecticide drench containing imidacloprid or another insecticide in the neonicotinoid group, such as dinotefuran or thiamethoxam.

These insecticides move up into the plant from the roots and remain in the plant for a long time (over a year). Pest insects come in contact with the insecticide when they feed on the plant. Beneficial insects that just rest on the plant are not affected. However, they can be exposed to insecticide residues if they feed on pollen or nectar from the plant, on pest insects, or on honeydew excreted by pest insects. (Crape myrtles don’t produce nectar, but they do have pollen.)

Among the neonicotinoid insecticides, imidacloprid products are most readily available. There are several home garden insecticide products that contain imidacloprid as the active ingredient and are labeled for soil drench applications around ornamental trees and shrubs. Examples include Bioadvanced 12 Month Tree & Shrub Insect Control Concentrate, Bonide Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control with Systemaxx, Ferti-lome Tree & Shrub Drench, Martin’s Dominion Tree & Shrub Insecticide Concentrate, and Monterey Once a Year Insect Control II. These can be applied once per year.

Sources typically recommend using these systemic, drench-applied products in the spring. They should not be applied during flowering, to comply with label requirements, even though it takes some time for them to be taken up into the plant.

Successfully treating scale insect infestations with insecticides sprayed onto the trunks and branches can be tricky. Once they have their waxy coverings, they’re largely protected from chemical sprays. The young, crawler stage of the insect that is most susceptible to insecticides is only present at certain times of the year and isn’t easily seen.

Since some common insecticides are not effective on CMBS at most times during their lifecycle but do kill beneficial insects that feed on pest insects, the use of such insecticides can actually cause an increase in CMBS populations.

The time of year at which crawler populations are greatest varies from year to year and location to location, but in Louisiana, it appears that the first peak can generally be expected in April or May. You can use double-sided tape to check for their presence, if desired. CMBS crawlers are about 0.5 mm long and pink in color.

To reduce the impact on beneficial insects in comparison to a lot of conventional insecticides, you can use an insect growth regulator (IGR) containing pyriproxyfen (Distance, Fulcrum, or another product labeled for use on ornamentals) twice during the time when crawlers are present, following label directions. These products are not sold in home garden-sized products but can be purchased by anyone. (Talus 70DF [buprofezin] is another IGR option but isn’t labeled for use in residential areas.)

Bifenthrin products such as Bifen I/T, Bioadvanced Tree and Shrub Insect Killer Spray Concentrate I, and Ferti-lome Broad Spectrum Insecticide are more readily available for home gardens but also more harmful to beneficial insects. If used, they should also be applied while crawlers are present.

Horticultural oil products are widely available and have less impact on beneficial insects than bifenthrin and other conventional insecticides with residual activity. They have not been as consistently effective against CMBS as other mentioned treatments but with repeated applications when crawlers are present, they can reduce the population to some extent.

When using any product sprayed onto trunks and branches, be sure to get good coverage, including undersides of branches and bark crevices.

Make sure any insecticide you plan to use is labeled for the type of plant on which you plan to use it, and follow label directions.

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 Special Needs Registry

Special Needs Resource Fair is October 17th

Fall Garden Day and Plant Sale is October 3rd

Gardeners from across the Gulf South are invited to the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station for the sixth annual Fall Garden Day and Plant Sale on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to noon at 21549 Old Covington Highway in Hammond, LA.

The event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine.

Known for offering one of the largest and most diverse selections of plants in the region, the sale will
feature thousands of plants grown and selected by LSU AgCenter horticulturists. Shoppers will find Louisiana Super Plants, seasonal color, perennials, pollinator-friendly plants, herbs, vegetables, houseplants, shrubs, and many other garden favorites.

In addition to the plant sale, visitors can explore educational exhibits and garden-related activities throughout the morning. The Southeastern Louisiana Nursery Association (SELNA) will host a nursery trade show featuring landscape and
horticulture vendors, while the Tangipahoa Master Gardener Association (TPMGA) will offer educational displays, a plant swap, children's activities, a mini plant sale, and items available through its garden shop.

Refreshments will be available for purchase from The Verdant Niche Tea and the Hammond High School Boosters Club.

The Fall Garden Day and Plant Sale provides a unique opportunity for home gardeners to discover new plants, learn from horticulture professionals, and enjoy a morning dedicated to gardening and outdoor living.

For complete event information, including the schedule of activities and VIP Presale details, visit https://tinyurl.com/y6sbrxm4.

The LSU AgCenter provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. For more information, visit www.lsuagcenter.com/eeo. Individuals requiring ADA accommodations should contact the Hammond Research Station at 985-543-4125 at least 10 days prior to the event.

Obituary

Mary Virginia James

July 22, 1963 — September 8, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for September 12-13, 2026

Shawda Brock (age 34 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft 5000-25000, Principle to Identity Theft, Possession of Stolen Things $25000 or More, Possession of Schedule I Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts) by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $30000.00.

Jeffery Hampton (age 41 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contributing to Delinquency of a Juvenile and Carnal Knowledge of Juvenile by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Alajide Marks (age 39 with a 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.

Juanita Bossier (age 42 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Bank Fraud and Access Device Fraud by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

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

Tropical Disturbances Today

Central Subtropical Atlantic: A trough of low pressure is located a little more than 1000 miles east-southeast of Bermuda. Environmental conditions over the system are currently unfavorable but as the system moves west-northwestward across the central part of the Subtropical Atlantic, it is forecast to enter a more conducive environment for gradual development by the middle to latter portion of this week. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...30 percent.

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 and thunderstorms, mainly between 4pm and 5pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 109. Calm wind.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Calm wind.

Tuesday   Sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Wednesday   A 20 percent chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. East wind 5 to 15 mph. 

Wednesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for September 12, 2026

Brice Pastorchik (age 32) was booked on the charges of DWI and Improper Lane Use by the Louisiana State Police.

Stephanie Kitterlin (age 41) was booked on the charges of DWI and Improper Lane Use by the Louisiana State Police.

Jasmine Cyprian (age 36) was booked on the charge of Theft 5000-25000 by the Covington Police Department.

David Williams (age 61) was booked on the charge of Theft Less Than 1000 by the Covington Police Department.

Anthony Voltolina (age 42) was booked on the charge of Theft Less Than 1000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Pamila Grandison (age 67) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Second Degree Battery and Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle by the Slidell Police Department.

Tyrik Scott (age 26) was booked on the charge of Attempt and Conspiracy by the Slidell Police Department.

Jude Enriquez (age 18) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Monyea Williams (age 65) was booked on the charge of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things by the Slidell Police Department.

Samantha Rigney (age 37) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Amber Warner (age 30) was booked on the charge of Access Device Fraud Under 1000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

Tropical Disturbances Today

Central Subtropical Atlantic: A trough of low pressure is over the central Subtropical Atlantic. Environmental conditions are not currently favorable for development but the system is expected to move into a more favorable environment for some gradual development by the middle to later portion of this week. The disturbance is forecast to move west-northwestward across the central part of the Subtropical Atlantic. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...20 percent.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Calm wind.

Tonight   Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.

Monday   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Calm wind.

Monday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Calm wind.

Tuesday   Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Loranger Woman Charged in Overdose Death

Loretta Schroder, age 28 and from Loranger, was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on September 12, 2026 on one count of Failure to Render Aid.

On August 30, 2026, TPSO detectives began investigating the death of 42-year-old Jaycen Morris who was found dead in his front yard. While the cause of his death is still pending with the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office, preliminary autopsy results indicate his death was the result of an overdose.

Through the investigation, it was learned Morris had been with Schroder when he began overdosing. Instead of seeking assistance or alerting anyone to his medical emergency, she drove to his home and left him unconscious in his front yard, then drove away. A warrant was issued for Schroder’s arrest and she was taken into custody in the overnight hours of September 12, 2026.

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

“It is completely unacceptable not to try to help someone experiencing any type of medical emergency. That call to 911 is too easy,” said Sheriff Gerald Sticker, “But when you know that medical emergency is the result of illegal narcotics, and fast-acting medications like Narcan are so readily available, and you do nothing, we’re going to hold you responsible for your lack of action.”

The TPSO participates with the Operation Angel program which offers those struggling with addiction to turn to the sheriff’s office to seek treatment, at no charge, without fear of consequences. If you, or a loved one, wants help through Operation Angel, individuals can come to any TPSO office or call 985-747-9696.

In addition, the TPSO wants to ensure all residents know that Narcan is available to anyone, without a prescription, at any pharmacy. The Florida Parishes Human Services Authority is also a regional distribution site for Narcan on behalf of the Louisiana Department of Health’s Overdose Prevention and Response program.

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for September 11, 2026

Audra Butler (age 51) was booked on the charge of Simple Criminal Damage to Property 1000-50000
by the Slidell Police Department.

Michael Cegielski (age 51) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Monica Peters (age 46) was booked on the charges of Issuing Worthless Checks and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Nicole Cooper (age 44) was booked on the charge of Theft by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Charles Luquette (age 49) was booked on the charge of Theft by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

John Thompson (age 42) was booked
on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Michael Keys (age 48) was booked on the charges of Theft and Driver Must Be Licensed by the Covington Police Department.

Harold Ceasar (age 48) was booked on the charges of Manufacture/Distribution of Schedule I CDS, Possession of Schedule III CDS, Driving Under Suspension, and Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles/Display of Plate by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Meghan Jones (age 35) was booked on the charges of Operating While Intoxicated (2nd Offense), Improper Lane Use, and Open Container in Vehicle by the Louisiana State Police.

Parrish Thompson (age 33) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer by Refusing to Identify and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Brandon Taberski (age 38) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary (2 counts) and Simple Criminal Damage to Property (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Montrey Taylor (age 25) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Keith Nichols (age 50) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation and Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Lionel Foster (age 72) was booked on the charges of DWI and Careless Operation by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Frank Impastato (age 66) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute a Schedule II CDS, Possession of Schedule IV, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Improper Turn, and Driving Under Suspension by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Idi Muhammad (age 55) was booked on the charges of Simple Battery (2 counts) and Simple Criminal Damage Less Than 1000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Christopher Fendley (age 51) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Phil Horn (age 55) was booked on the charges of Possession Schedule IV, Possession Schedule I, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.

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

Desmon Taylor (age 22) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Slidell Police Department.

Kristi Holmes (age 52) was booked on the charges of Identity Theft Over 1000, Theft of Motor Vehicle 25000 or More, Bank Fraud, and Unlawful Possession of Fraudulent Documents for Identification by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Shannon Vonderbruegge (age 52) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jawaun Gaines (age 24) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Alyssa Smith (age 32) was booked on the charge of Violation of Protection Order by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

Joel Cairns (age 38) was booked on the charges of Prohibited Acts/Schedule IV Penalties, To Alter a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Schedule I by the Mandeville Police Department.

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

Hayden Cooper (age 19) was booked on the charge of Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

Mt. Hermon Community & WPSB Meetings Sept. 10th

In case you do not have Facebook and did not see the livestream of the meetings on September 10, 2026, here they are.

Warnerton Hardware's Farmers Market is Tomorrow!

Washington Parish Council Agenda for September 14, 2026

The Washington Parish Council will meet at 5:30 PM on Monday (September 14, 2026) in Council Chambers at the Courthouse in Franklinton. The meeting will  be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/mthermonwebtv  Note: Video of the meeting will be immediately available on the Facebook page. All meetings of the Washington Parish Council are archived here.

On the Agenda for the Regular Meeting are the following: 

Ben E. Clayton: Candidate for 22nd Judicial District Court Judge - Division G

Judge David Duke: Candidate for re-election - Bogalusa City Court

ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/DISCUSSION ITEMS

• Resolution No. 26-1533: Adopt a Resolution reappointing Colton Fornea to the Washington Parish Fire Protection District No. 5 Board of Directors

• Resolution No. 26-1534: Adopt a Resolution to Reappoint Judy Howard to the Washington Parish Fire Protection District No. 5 Board of Directors

• Resolution No. 26-1535: Adopt a Resolution to Reappoint Huey Newcomb to the Washington Parish Fire Protection District No. 5

• Resolution No. 26-1536: Adopt a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 26-1506, Placing a Moratorium on the Approval and/or Permitting of All Solar Panel Farms, Commercial Solar Power Plants, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Similar Energy Generation or Storage Facilities

Following Public Participation, the Council will hear reports from the Parish President and his staff before adjourning.

This Week in Louisiana Agriculture

From rockets on the coast to changes in the rice field, this week’s TWILA covers a little bit of everything happening in Louisiana agriculture. We head to Vermilion Parish, where farmers are weighing the opportunities and questions surrounding SpaceX’s massive new facility, then visit Acadia Parish as longtime rice farmer Kim Frey retires after 51 years and his family adjusts their operation. We also explore Louisiana’s potential for growing tea, share new opportunities for students and teachers, and kick off football season with a reminder that tailgates don’t grow themselves, Louisiana farmers do. Join us for all that and more on this week’s TWILA! 

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for September 11, 2026

Jessica Higgins (age 30 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Stolen
Things 1000-5000 and Resisting an Officer by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Trevor Youngblood (age 26 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Home Invasion Intimidation, Simple Burglary, and Criminal Damage to Property by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Drew Lange (age 41 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated (2nd Offense), Ran Stop Sign, Careless Operation, Driving Under Suspension, and Open Container in Vehicle by the Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.

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

Obituary

Charles "Stephen" Genco

January 15, 1956 - September 9, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Tonight   Patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Sunday   Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind.

Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Calm wind.

Monday   Sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Calm wind.

Monday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Calm wind.

Obituary

Dianne Sandifer

October 3, 1956 - September 3, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for September 10, 2026

Giovonta Williams (age 33) was booked on the charge of Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Orry Mejia (age 39) was booked on the charge of Molestation of a Juvenile or Person With Physical or Mental Disability by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Kevin Barthe (age 36) was booked on the charges of DWI and Maximum Speed Limit by the Louisiana State Police.

Craig Billiot (age 40) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Matthew Laurent (age 24) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Kenneth Adams (age 49) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Schedule I, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, License Plate Must Be Illuminated, and Driving Left of Center by the Louisiana State Police.

Darrion Parker (age 30) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Cruelty to Juveniles by the Slidell Police Department.

James Foreman (age 46) was booked on the charge of Stalking by the Slidell Police Department.

Neal Perry (age 57) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Resisting an Officer by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Nicole Markley (age 33) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Kiley Smith (age 24) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Siham Khalis (age 46) was booked on the charge of Theft 5000-25000 by the Covington Police Department.

Babus Hamilton (age 38) was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling, Resisting an Officer by Refusing to Identify, Possession of Schedule II, Fugitive, and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear (2 counts) by the Covington Police Department.

Alleigh Deschamp (age 33) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

John Love (age 36) was booked on the charge of Second Degree Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Thomas Watson (age 32) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Judith Taylor (age 70) was booked on the charge of DWI by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Tamara Olmstead (age 52) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II, and Illegal Carrying of Weapon by the 22nd Judicial Court.

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

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for September 9-10, 2026

Garvin O'Quinn (age 39 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse
Battery/Strangulation, Battery of Infirm, and Domestic Abuse/Child  Endangerment by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Claudia O'Quinn (age 32 with an Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Darryl Baham (age 29 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation and Parole Hold by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Jayden Odom (age 19 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery (2nd Offense) and Unlawful Sale Purchase or Possession of Tobacco/Alternative Nicotine Product/Vapor Product by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Wilfred Alexander (age 72 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Prohibited Acts by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Tom Gerszewski (age 32 with no address listed) was booked on charge(s) not listed by Agency not listed.

Brandon Buckingham (age 31 with no address listed) was booked on the charge of Theft of Auto/Vehicle by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Isis Gaines (age 26 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court. Bond set at $15000.00.

David Jones (age 42 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

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

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for September 9, 2026

Fredrica Lee (age 32) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer and Interfering With a Law Enforcement Investigation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Johnathan Dixon (age 39) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Kelly Frame (age 39) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Philip Millaudon (age 60) was booked on the charge of Operating While Intoxicated by the Slidell Police Department.

Jeremy James (age 36) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Drug Paraphernalia, Bicycles/Front Lamps and Side and Rear Reflectors Required, and Riding on Roadways and Bicycle Paths by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Desiree Terry (age 48) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Eric Wimberly (age 52) was booked on the charges of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond and Contempt of Court by Bondsman.

Darryl Anthony (age 35) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Resisting an Officer by the Mandeville Police Department.

Makhi Cheneau (age 20) was booked on the charges of Fugitive, Maximum Speed Limit, and Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle by the Louisiana State Police.

Kendell Petes (age 35) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Aaron Cazaubon (age 40) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Kameron Hossley (age 21) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Samuel Raiford (age 52) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Aggravated Assault and Domestic Abuse Battery by the Slidell Police Department.

Burnell Earl (age 27) was booked on the charge of Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jerry Pierre (age 67) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Assault 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.

Today   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.

Saturday   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 11am and 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night   A 10 percent chance of showers before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.

Sunday   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Sunday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Calm wind.

Obituary

Gregory Charles Thomas

March 13, 1957 - September 9, 2026

Obituary

Aubrielle "Tootsie" Alice Williams

January 18, 2022 — September 4, 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. Increasing clouds, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. 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. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind. 

Friday   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Friday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind. 

Saturday   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. 

Saturday Night   A 60 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind. 

Obituary

Jerry Robinson, Jr.

July 21, 1990 — September 3, 2026

WP Sheriff's Office is Hiring Corrections Officers

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for September 8, 2026

Davin Williams (age 22) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

David Stein (age 35) was booked on the charge of Second Degree Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Xavijuanca Wilson (age 32) was booked on the charge of Telephone Communications/Improper Language/Harassment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

David Dickson (age 74) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Regina Bradshaw (age 46) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Drug Paraphernalia, and Improper Turn by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Rayion Williams (age 29) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (3 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Carringan Mason (age 43) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Chase Cornwall (age 30) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Christina Casteel (age 45) was booked on the charges of Battery of a Dating Partner With Child Endangerment, Aggravated Battery of a Dating Partner, Battery of a Dating Partner, Theft Less Than 1000, and Telephone Communications/Improper Language/Harassment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

John Penny (age 54) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment, Home Invasion, and Telephone Communications/Improper Language/Harassment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Cherone Robinson (age 37) was booked on the charges of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by Bondsman.

Kristy Morse (age 33) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Eric Jones (age 26) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Sara Aswell (age 36) was booked on the charges of DWI, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Simple Obstruction of a Highway of Commerce, and Domestic Abuse Battery by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Byron Seymore (age 51) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Julian Ogozaly (age 26) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

John Skeldon (age 32) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

Obituary

Joseph Bernard Saltaformaggio

January 20, 1937 - September 6, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for September 8, 2026

Rebecca Garrity (age 32 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation
by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Lavonte Bates (age 26 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Lucas Fairburn (age 20 with a Covington, La. address) was booked on the charges of Carnal Knowledge of Juvenile, Contributing to Delinquency of Juvenile, Sexual Battery, and Principal to Child Sexual Abuse Material by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jaylynn Warren (age 21 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm and Improper Lane Usage by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Brandon Creel (age 40 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II (3 counts), Contempt of Court (2 counts), Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Possession of Schedule III Drugs, and Prohibited Acts 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   Sunny, with a high near 94. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Calm wind.

Thursday   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Increasing clouds, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.

Friday   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.