Search Continues for Escapee From Border Patrol Agents

The search continues for one of two suspects who ran away from U.S. Border Patrol agents during a traffic stop in the Robert area Monday (August 3, 2026) morning. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office  and multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are working to help Border Patrol locate 31-year-old Cesar Contreras. He was last seen wearing a long-sleeve camouflage shirt and blue jeans with no shoes on and handcuffed to the front. He is currently believed to be in the wooded area north of I-12 in the Robert/Hammond area, possibly in St. Tammany Parish at this time.

Around 6:45 a.m., Border Patrol agents conducted a traffic stop along eastbound I-12 at the Tangipahoa/St. Tammany parish line. Three Hispanic men in the vehicle were detained, however, the driver and front seat passenger ran from agents; one headed north of the interstate, the other ran south. Both were barefoot and handcuffed to the front.

At some point during the search, 911 received a report of a handcuffed Hispanic man in a blue long-sleeve shirt and khaki pants trying to break into a mobile home on Dusty Lane which runs off of C.C. Road in the Bedico area. At 3 p.m., that suspect, identified as 26-year-old Eduin Gonzalez Avilez of Honduras, was taken back into custody when he emerged from the woods behind the Bedico Creek Trailer Park.

The public is being asked to keep a lookout for Contreras and to call 911 immediately if residents see him or notice something suspicious that could be connected to this investigation.

The TPSO will continue to provide its residents with updates regarding this search effort, however, the U.S. Border Patrol will be the source of any additional information regarding the initiating incident.

Woman Charged With Attempted Murder of St. Tammany Deputy

Savanna Magee (or McGee), age 26 and of the Destrehan-area, is facing an Attempted Murder of a Police Officer charge after allegedly striking a St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's deputy with her vehicle Sunday night (August 2, 2026) near Slidell.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the 100 block of Windward Passage in reference to an intoxicated woman attempting to leave the residence in a vehicle. As the responding deputy attempted to remove Magee from the vehicle, Magee allegedly placed the vehicle in reverse, striking the deputy as she attempted to flee. A brief pursuit ensued before the vehicle came to a stop near the intersection of Oak Harbor Boulevard and Oak Court. Magee continued to resist arrest but was ultimately taken into custody.

Magee was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center as Savanna McGee for Attempted Murder of a Police Officer, Unauthorized Use of a Movable, Simple Battery, Resisting Arrest and Driving While Impaired. 

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

The deputy was treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel for minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation as a precaution.

Officer-Involved Shooting in Tangipahoa Parish

This morning (August 3, 2026), Louisiana State Police detectives were requested to investigate an officer-
involved shooting involving the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office that occurred on Interstate 55 in Tangipahoa Parish, just south of Independence.

One subject was injured and transported to a local hospital. No officers were injured during this incident. This investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available.

In a video Facebook post (Click here to view the video post), Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard provided additional details. Sheriff Ard stated that the incident began as a vehicle pursuit in Albany. The suspect crashed into another vehicle south of Independence and then fled on foot. The Deputy "tased" the suspect but the suspect disarmed the Deputy of his taser and tased the deputy. Ard says "the deputy did what he had to do to survive the incident" and that the suspect is in a hospital in critical condition.

Anyone with information and/or pictures and video is urged to share that information with LSP Detectives. You may anonymously report information through the Louisiana State Police online reporting system by visiting https://www.lsp.org and clicking the “Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity” link, or by calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.

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 93. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind.

Tuesday   Sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind.

Wednesday   Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Calm wind.

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

Obituary

Linda Jean Tindell Reynolds

September 6, 1953 - August 1, 2026

Obituary

Melvin Earl Brady, Jr.

December 23, 1954 – August 1, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for August 1, 2026

Frank Majoue (age 71) was booked on the charges of DWI and Driving Without Headlights by the Louisiana State Police.

Beatriz Acosta (age 33) was booked on the charge of Interference With Custody of Child by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Donald Theriot (age 52) was booked on the charges of DWI and Improper Turn by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Michael Swan (age 24) was booked on the charge of Simple Battery by the Covington Police Department.

Danyel Geddes (age 52) was booked on the charge of Theft Less Than 1000 by the Mandeville Police Department.

Ramon Langston (age 21) was booked on the charges of Illegal Use of Weapons and Contributing to the Delinquency by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Charlie Kerlee (age 20) was booked on the charges of Illegal Use of Weapons and Contributing to the Delinquency by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Scott Pellissier (age 60) was booked on the charge of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Calista Raziano (age 54) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Sherry Clemmens (age 54) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Logan Gautreaux (age 19) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court, Possession of Schedule I, Possession of Schedule III CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Taillights by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Christan Brooks (age 22) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment, Home Invasion, and Interfering With Emergency Communication by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Israel Lachico (age 47) was booked on the charges of Fugitive, Simple Battery, Theft Less Than 1000, and Disturbing the Peace/Simple Assault by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Austin Humphrey (age 37) was booked on the charges of Operating While Intoxicated (3rd Offense) and Resisting an Officer by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Charlotte White (age 59) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Schedule IV, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Improper Lane Use, and Improper Turn by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 1, 2026

Leslie Bennett (age 59 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3500.00.

Adriana Magee (age 37 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Failure to Dim Headlights, and Possession of Marijuana by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3000.00.

Donarich Taylor (age 44 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2800.00.

Keith Crumedy (age 53 with a Tylertown, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (4 counts) by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $24579.00.

Dennis Zschiedrich (age 64 with no address listed) was booked on the charge of Driving While Intoxicated by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

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

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for July 31, 2026

Esco Powell (age 30) was booked on the charge of Violation of Protection Order by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Chiwoo Choe (age 19) was booked on the charge of Theft by the Mandeville Police Department.

Brenen Chester (age 23) was booked on the charge of Accessory After the Fact by the Covington Police Department.

Darryl Baham (age 29) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

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

Rodney Clements (age 39) was booked on the charge of Theft 5000-25000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Justin Desilva (age 34) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jimmie Talbert (age 37) was booked on the charge of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jayson Price (age 42) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Drug Paraphernalia, and Careless Operation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Adan Gobernado (age 43) was booked on the charges of Fugitive (2 counts) and Parole Violation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

Domonick Landry (age 21) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Lisbeth Valencia Polanco (age 34) was booked on the charge of Resisting an Officer and Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Pearl River Police Department.

Cameron Mark (age 20) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Dustin Yrle (age 20) was booked on the charges of Simple Criminal Damage Less Than 1000 and Simple Criminal Damage to Property 1000-50000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Kiera Stevenson (age 31) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Covington Police Department.

Artevian McDowell (age 21) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS/Hallucinogen, Battery of a Police Officer, Violation of Controlled Substance Within 2000 Feet of School, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, and Simple Criminal Damage to Property 1000-50000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jalin Smith (age 24) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Interfering With Emergency Communication by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Damon Jerry (age 35) was booked on the charges of No Drivers License on Person, Speeding in a School Zone, and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the Covington Police Department.

Spencer Casnave (age 39) was booked on the charges of Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor and Human Trafficking by the 22nd Judicial Court.

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

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

Renee Russell (age 59) was booked on the charges of DWI and Improper Lane Use by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Gordon Ramos (age 23) was booked on the charge of Fugitive 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   Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Light northwest wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Monday   Increasing clouds, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night   Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 71. Calm wind.

Tuesday   Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

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

Obituary

Paula Jane "Janie" Horn

March 17, 1958 - July 29, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for July 30, 2026

Alexsya Livas (age 22) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Daniel Roberts (age 56) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Jason Peterson (age 45) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Unique Nelson (age 19) was booked on charge(s) not listed by the Slidell Police Department.

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

Craig Maquar (age 46) was booked on the charges of Violation of Protection Order (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

John McGraw (age 42) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Pearl River Police Department.

Jeremy Blow (age 47) was booked on the charges of Taking Contraband to and from a Penal Institution and Possession of Schedule I by the Covington Police Department.

Justin Rachal (age 32) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment, Corrupt Influencing, and Violation of Protection Order by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Terahnie Reed (age 19) was booked on the charges of Second Degree Battery and Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling by the Pearl River Police Department.

Chamyri Lee (age 22) was booked on the charges of Identity Theft, Forgery, and Theft Over 25000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Patricia Sarver (age 66) was booked on the charges of Distribution of Schedule III CDS, Improper Lane Usage, and Illegal Window Tint by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jenea Butler (age 24) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the Slidell Police Department.

Wayne Guillory (age 58) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule III CDS and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Edenia Tercero (age 47) was booked on the charge of Theft by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Donald Ducharme (age 43) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole.

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

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 31, 2026

Toan Truong (age 70 with an Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of speeding 11-20 Over Limit and Possession of a Stolen Firearm by the Louisiana State Police. Bond was set at $3500.00.

Lucas Cornell (age 39 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Resisting an Officer, and Prohibited Act by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond was set at $7500.00.

***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 and hot, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 106. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. 

Sunday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Monday   Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind.

AG Murrill's LBI Arrests Slidell Man in $2.5 Million Embezzlement

Attorney General Liz Murrill announced that the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) has arrested 58-year-old John B. Ohle III of Timberlane Drive in Slidell following an investigation into a multi-year embezzlement and fraud scheme that defrauded a private clay mining company and its clients of more than $2.5 million.

LBI received a complaint from representatives of a private clay mining company alleging that John Ohle, the company's contracted consultant, had engaged in an elaborate embezzlement scheme that victimized the company and its clients.

During this investigation, LBI agents learned that Ohle, a disbarred attorney and CPA, had diverted revenues from the clay mining company (victim) to account(s) he controlled. Ohle also forged an exclusive trucking agreement by misrepresenting himself as an executive officer of the victim company and used a subsidiary company that he owned to deceive the victim company's clients and facilitate the fraud.

Additionally, agents learned Ohle had sold heavy equipment owned by the victim company, without authorization, and subsequently diverted the funds from the sale through bank accounts of an associate to hide the fact he was the actual beneficiary of the funds.

Between January 2020 and February 2024, as a result of this scheme, Ohle allegedly defrauded the victim company and its clients of more than $2.5 million. After he was informed that a warrant had been issued for his arrest, Ohle refused to cooperate with agents and attempted to evade arrest. On July 30, 2026, LBI agents located Ohle at a residence in Metairie and arrested him, without incident, pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by Orleans Criminal District Court.

"My office will continue investigating complex financial crimes and holding those responsible accountable. Louisiana businesses deserve that protection," said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Ohle was booked into the Orleans Parish Jail on multiple felony crimes including Forgery, Identity Theft, Theft over $25,000 (Embezzlement), Theft over $25,000, Money Laundering, Bank Fraud, and Computer Fraud.

It should also be noted that Ohle's disbarment stemmed from a previous conviction in New York on an unrelated matter involving federal tax evasion and embezzlement.

Ohle's bond amount is unknown at this time.

This investigation is ongoing. 

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

Wildest Show in the South - Every Sunday in October

Angola Prison Rodeo tickets are on sale now for every Sunday in October. Known as the Wildest Show in the South, it’s the longest running prison rodeo in the United States. The rodeo is held at Louisiana State Penitentiary, which is the country’s largest maximum security prison. From the moment you enter the correctional facility gates, to seeing acres of grassy pastures, the smell of fresh air, to the large outdoor arena; rest assured, you're going to have unforgettable moments. 

You will get to see inmate-led events like the rodeo performances, live entertainment, concessions, and unique arts and crafts. It's a family-friendly day of fun that also includes activities for the kids, such as pony rides and a carousel. 

Click here for tickets and more information

Obituary

Herbert McKenzie

August 26, 1941 - July 30, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 28-30, 2026

Billy Crain (age 37 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Register as Sex Offender by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $20000.00.

Angelica Bennett (age 29 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery, Domestic Abuse/Aggravated Assault, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.

Mark Woods (age 64 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Assault With a Firearm and Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Myshun Simmons (age 18 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Failure to Provide Proper Info, No Seat Belt, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.

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

Obituary

Katherine Evelyn Crain Moschitta

August 18, 1941 - July 30, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for July 29, 2026

Brandon Penalber (age 33) was booked on the charges of Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear and Fugitive by the Covington Police Department.

Ernnysia Johnson (age 25) was booked on the charge of Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Kaylin Gallo (age 25) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Covington Police Department.

Evelyn Nalty (age 51) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Bryan Swangton (age 18) was booked on the charges of Second Degree Battery and Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling by the Pearl River Police Department.

Jessie McDonald (age 49) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Arson and Resisting an Officer by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Travis Henriquez (age 42) was booked on the charges of Improper Lane Use, Driving Without Headlights, Expired License Plate, Driving Under Suspension, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, and Possession of Schedule II by the Slidell Police Department.

Dana Brecheen (age 40) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Contempt of Court by the Pearl River Police Department.

Quintez Laurent (age 22) was booked on the charges of Second Degree Battery and Disturbing the Peace/Simple Assault by the Covington Police Department.

Sean Donovan (age 27) was booked on the charges of Simple Battery and Simple Kidnapping by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Evalynn Joles (age 19) was booked on the charges of Second Degree Battery and Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling by the Pearl River Police Department.

Madison Bass (age 20) was booked on the charges of Violation of Protection Order and Telephone Communications/Improper Language/Harassment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jared Matherne (age 38) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jermaine Powell (age 40) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Second Degree Battery and Aggravated Battery by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Norbert Shiyou (age 43) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Crime Against Nature and Sexual Battery by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Tyler Hartley (age 25) was booked on the charges of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things Less Than 1000 and Simple Burglary by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Shelby Ward (age 47) was booked on the charge of Offender to Notify Change of Address or Other Reg by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Christian Irving (age 18) was booked on the charges of Probation Violation, Prohibited Acts/Schedule II Penalties, Penalty for Distribution or Possession With Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by Probation and Parole.

Kendrick Wise (age 32) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer and Contempt of Court (4 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Drevon Warren (age 25) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

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

Slidell Man Found Guilty on Narcotics Trafficking

District Attorney J. Collin Sims reports that Thursday (July 30, 2026), a St. Tammany Parish jury found 66-year-old Eugene McKnight of Slidell, Louisiana, guilty as charged on all counts relating to narcotics trafficking following a trial before the Honorable Judge Alan M. Black. Assistant District Attorneys Luke Lancaster and Alex Alexander prosecuted the case.

McKnight was convicted of:

• Possession with Intent to Distribute less than 28 grams of a Schedule II CDS (Fentanyl)
• Possession with Intent to Distribute less than 28 grams of a Schedule II CDS (Cocaine)
• Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses

On July 16, 2025, detectives with the Slidell Police Department Narcotics Task Force were conducting surveillance as part of an ongoing investigation at an apartment complex near the Interstate 10 Service Road in New Orleans. Detectives observed a pickup truck known to be associated with McKnight park in a secluded area of the lot.

When the vehicle departed, officers conducted surveillance and observed multiple traffic violations along Old Spanish Trail and Pontchartrain Drive as the vehicle returned to Slidell. An SPD Patrol Officer assisted task force detectives in executing a traffic stop on Pontchartrain Drive.

As detectives instructed McKnight to exit the passenger side of the vehicle, McKnight made furtive movements near his beltline and dropped a yellow and grey glove onto the ground to discard evidence. Detectives recovered the glove and discovered a large stash of narcotics hidden inside, including fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine. Detectives also recovered cash from McKnight’s possession, which was seized as illicit drug proceeds.  McKnight’s phone was also seized and searched.  Detectives located chat conversations on the phone wherein McKnight was discussing selling narcotics to multiple individuals.

"We will not tolerate drug trafficking in St. Tammany Parish. This guilty verdict sends a clear message that our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will remain relentless in removing illegal narcotics from our streets,” stated District Attorney Collin Sims.

Judge Alan M. Black has scheduled sentencing for September 3, 2026.

Obituary

Johnnie Lee Jones

June 26, 1946 - July 26, 2026

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 after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 110. West wind around 5 mph.

Tonight   A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 75. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph after midnight.

Saturday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 105. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph. 

Sunday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. West wind around 5 mph.

Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Obituary

Cullie (Spooky) Cotton, Jr.

July 23, 1964 — July 24, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for July 28, 2026

Nathan Volz (age 27) was booked on the charge of Video Voyeurism by the Mandeville Police Department.

Felicia Hoffman (age 32) was booked on the charge of Simple Criminal Damage to Property 1000-5000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Fionna Hooever (age 20) was booked on the charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Improper Lane Use by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Roy Shubert (age 51) was booked on the charge of Theft Over 25000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Mark Caliste (age 43) was booked on the charges of Fugitive (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Alyssa Smith (age 32) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Sanita Thomas (age 40) was booked on the charge of Simple Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling by the Pearl River Police Department.

Rymondrea Lang (age 24) was booked on the charges of Unlawful Possession of Fraudulent Documents for Identification, Bank Fraud, Monetary Instrument Abuse, and Identity Theft by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Liam Bickel (age 21) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (4 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Chastity Drennan (age 52) was booked on the charge of Cyberstalking by the Slidell Police Department.

Kristina Burkard (age 49) was booked on the charges of Sexual Battery and Indecent Behavior/Grooming of a Child by the Slidell Police Department.

Brandy Moore (age 29) was booked on the charges of Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription and Possession of Schedule III CDS by Agency not listed.

Fred Eppolito (age 57) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the Slidell Police Department.

Trequan Rollins (age 32) was booked on the charges of Driving Under Suspension, Failure to Stop/Yield, Improper Turn, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription, and Possession of Schedule III CDS by the Slidell Police Department.

Adam Giangrosso (age 30) was booked on the charge of Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Carlton Coleman (age 64) was booked on the charge of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond by Bondsman.

Trevell Hills (age 27) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Sharoy Massey (age 32) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Tosha Watkins (age 40) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Clyde Smith (age 42) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Tommielee Waters (age 29) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole.

Mason Brown (age 19) was booked on the charges of Negligent Carrying of a Concealed Handgun and Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Paige Thompson (age 25) was booked on the charge of Cruelty to Juveniles/Minor Injuries by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Torry Robinson (age 18) was booked on the charge of Simple Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling by the Pearl River Police Department.

***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.

Thursday   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 109. West wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind. 

Friday   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 108. West wind around 5 mph. 

Friday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph after midnight.

Saturday   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Video Voyeurism Suspect Arrested - AGAIN

On June 30, 2026, Nathan Volz was arrested by the Mandeville Police Department for violating Louisiana Revised Statute 14:283, Video Voyeurism, following an investigation into incidents that occurred at Crunch Fitness in Mandeville.

Investigators determined that Volz used his personal cell phone to secretly record a female victim who was inside a locked, private tanning room. To make these recordings, Volz positioned himself in an adjacent tanning room and held his cell phone above the partition wall separating the rooms. Because the walls are open at the top for ventilation, he was able to record victims from this concealed and elevated position.

After Volz's cell phone was seized as evidence, detectives obtained a search warrant to conduct a forensic examination of the device. The examination revealed that Volz had recorded multiple victims at the Crunch Fitness Mandeville location using the same method while the victims were inside private tanning rooms.

Detectives with the Mandeville Police Department's Criminal Investigative Division have worked diligently to identify each victim captured in the recordings. Due to the large number of community members who believed they may have been victims, the Mandeville Police Department wanted to provide an update on the investigation to help address public concerns.

As a result of the investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging Nathan Volz with multiple counts of Video Voyeurism in violation of Louisiana Revised Statute 14:283. After the warrant was issued, detectives contacted Volz, who voluntarily turned himself in without incident. He was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on July 28, 2026. Bond was set at $100,000.00 and he bonded out the same day.

The Mandeville Police Department would like to thank the community for its patience and cooperation throughout this investigation. The department remains committed to thoroughly investigating these crimes and seeking justice for all victims.

Remember, all persons are deemed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for July 27, 2026

Heather Currier (age 49) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Cory Hollins (age 43) was booked on the charges of Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear and Domestic Abuse Battery/Dangerous Weapon by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

James Garcia (age 51) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Tremaine Jefferson (age 19) was
booked on the charges of Simple Escape/Aggravated Escape and Resisting an Officer by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Dexter Victor (age 32) was booked on the charge of Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Jessica Cousain (age 30) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Resisting an Officer by Refusing to Identify by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Ricky James (age 39) was booked on the charges of Fugitive, Contempt of Court, Possession of Schedule II, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

Allen Wendall (age 63) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Charles Crump (age 53) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Devin Johnson (age 27) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

David Williams (age 27) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS, Improper Turn, Driving Under Suspension, and Violations of Registration Provisions by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Sierra Smith (age 27) was booked on the charge of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS/Hallucinogen by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Christian Slocum (age 31) was booked on the charge of Violation of Protection Order by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Luann Mattes (age 40) was booked on the charges of Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, Criminal Trespass, and Simple Escape/Aggravated Escape by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Thomas Blackwell (age 41) was booked on the charges of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by Bondsman.

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

Valerie Farve (age 38) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

John Weed (age 39) was booked on the charges of Driving While Under Suspension, Two Headlights Required, and No Taillights by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

Want Your HISET/GED?

If you need to get your HISET/GED, orientation will be held on August 10, 2026 at Franklinton High School at 5:00. DM or call Pepper Taylor 601-248-0490.

Click here for more information

Obituary

Diana L. Pollock Mowen

May 16, 1948 - July 26, 2026

Obituary

Peggy Joyce Lee Jones Crain 

November 18, 1937 — July 28, 2026

School Supplies Giveaway in Mt. Hermon Aug. 8th

Obituary

Peggy Joyce Lee Jones Crain 

November 18, 1937 — July 28, 2026

Obituary

Brandon Neil Toney

December 16, 1969 - July 24, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 110. West wind around 5 mph.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Calm wind.

Thursday   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2pm and 5pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 107. West wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind. 

Friday   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning. 

Friday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph after midnight.

All WPSS Students Get Free Meals

The Washington Parish School System has announced that all WPSS students will once again participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2026-2027 school year.

Every student will receive FREE breakfast & lunch every school day. No meal application is required.

Providing healthy, nutritious meals helps ensure our students are fueled for learning & ready for success each day.

Obituary

Elizabeth Diane St. Romain

May 23, 1956 - July 23, 2026

Obituary

Johnnie Ray McDaniel

July 14, 1944 - July 23, 2026

22nd JDC DA’s Opioid Initiative and DEA FORT Partner in Narcotics Investigation

District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces today (July 28, 2026)  that the 22nd Judicial District Attorney's Office Opioid Initiative, in close partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (DEA FORT), has arrested a suspected narcotics distributor following a recent investigation in eastern St. Tammany Parish.

The multi-agency operation began in Pearl River after local law enforcement responded to the scene of a suspected drug overdose. Investigators with the 22nd JDC DA’s Opioid Initiative and DEA FORT immediately assumed responsibility for the case, treating it as a crime scene to identify the source of the illicit substances involved.

Working alongside the Pearl River Police Department, Slidell Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police, investigators traced the suspected distribution path from St. Tammany Parish into neighboring Orleans Parish. In less than two weeks, law enforcement identified, located, and apprehended the suspect, who was taken into custody in Orleans Parish on multiple narcotics-related charges and is currently awaiting extradition to St. Tammany Parish.

"When a suspected overdose occurs, our teams respond immediately, follow the evidence across parish boundaries, and pursue those responsible for bringing dangerous substances into our communities," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "This coordinated effort underscores our office's commitment to seamless collaboration between investigative and prosecutorial units to ensure swift accountability."

"Fentanyl and illicit narcotics recognize no municipal or parish boundaries, which is why our enforcement response cannot either," said DEA Special Agent in Charge John P. Scott. "Through the partnership between the DEA Fentanyl Overdose Response Team and District Attorney Sims’ office, we are combining federal resources and local expertise to trace poison back to its source and hold distributors accountable, no matter where they try to hide."

The 22nd JDC DA’s Opioid Initiative and DEA FORT operate as a unified structure, bringing together federal, state, and local resources to disrupt narcotics networks and streamline cases from the initial scene through final disposition.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Further details are currently being withheld to preserve the integrity of the ongoing proceedings.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 27, 2026

Phylicia Presson (age 38 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner/Aggravated Battery by the Bogalusa Police Department and on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Marzelos Bell (age 39 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Joshua Whitfield (age 45 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Jessie James (age 68 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Cocaine by the Bogalusa Police Department and on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5050.00.

Christopher Barze (age 30 with a Osyka, Ms. address) was booked In For Court.

Kadin Robinson (age 25 with a Covington, La. address) was booked on the charges of Non-Consensual Disclosure of Private Picture, Cyberstalking, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

James Dutruch (age 43 with a Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving Under Suspension, No Proof of Insurance, and Expired Vehicle Registration by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.

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

Obituary

Dennis Claiborne Travis 

November 6, 1955 — July 25, 2026

Obituary

Norman Keith Crawford 

February 1, 1948 — July 24, 2026

Hakheim Young Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2024 Fatal Bogalusa High School Basketball Game Shooting

District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that Monday (July 27, 2026), 19-year-old Hakheim Young
of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was sentenced to life in prison without the benefit of parole for his role in the January 2024 fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy.

Click here for previous related stories

Following a unanimous guilty verdict returned by a Washington Parish jury on June 17, 2026, the Honorable Judge John A. Keller sentenced Young as follows:

• Count 1: Second Degree Murder - Life imprisonment without benefit of parole.
• Count 2: Attempted Second Degree Murder - 30 years at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.
• Count 3: Attempted Second Degree Murder - 30 years at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

Judge Keller ordered the two 30-year sentences for attempted murder to run consecutively to each other, but concurrently with Young’s life sentence for murder.

The sentencing concludes the prosecution of the January 11, 2024 shooting in the parking lot of Bogalusa High School during a basketball game. Assistant District Attorneys Jay Adair and Gary Tromblay presented evidence showing that Young, alongside co-defendant Keldric Harry, fired multiple shots at a 14-year-old boy and two of his friends after the teens entered an unlocked vehicle. The victim was struck eight times in the back and succumbed to his injuries, while one of the surviving victims suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

This marks the second life sentence handed down in the case. Co-defendant Keldric Harry, 18, was convicted earlier this year and received an identical sentence in April 2026.

“Today’s sentence delivers closure and accountability for a horrific act of violence that shattered a family and shocked our entire community," stated District Attorney Collin Sims. "A 14-year-old child lost his life to automatic weapon fire over an unlocked car door. There is no place in Washington Parish for those who hold such a reckless disregard for human life. I am deeply proud of Assistant District Attorneys Jay Adair and Gary Tromblay, the Bogalusa Police Department, and all of our law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to ensure both individuals responsible for this tragedy were prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Young has been remanded to the custody of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office pending transfer to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 110. West wind around 5 mph.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 77. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph after midnight.

Wednesday   Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 110. West wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Calm wind. 

Thursday   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. West wind around 5 mph. 

Thursday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind.