Man and Woman Arrested at Motel in Bogalusa

Responding to a request from the Louisiana Division of Probation and Parole on May 13, 2021, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives responded to a motel room south of Bogalusa. Inside the room, officers discovered Brandon Michael Miller (age 30 and a resident of West 10th Street in Bogalusa) and Santanna Reshee Ratley (age 20 and a resident of Zack Magee Road in Franklinton) and a three month old child.

Miller was arrested and booked into the Washington Parish Jail on charges of possession of heroin, possession with intent to distribute other illegal drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a child. This was Miller’s eighth recorded arrest in Washington Parish since 2009 including charges of possession of illegal drugs, driving under suspension, failure to honor a written promise, failure to appear in court, driving without a license, resisting an officer, burglary of an inhabited dwelling, criminal conspiracy, eight counts of theft of a firearm, eight counts of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, theft, and multiple holds from Probation and Parole.

Ratley was booked into the Washington Parish Jail on charges of possession of illegal drugs, possession of controlled dangerous substances in the presence of a child and improper supervision of a minor. There is no jail record of her being previously incarcerated in Washington Parish. 

At the direction of a 22nd Judicial District Court Judge, custody of the child was turned over to an investigator from the Department of Children and Family Services who responded to the scene.

“What a sad story,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “It is inconceivable that a mother would bring a three month old child into such an environment. I am so grateful for the assistance from the Division of Probation and Parole and the Department of Children and Family Services. Let’s hope and pray this child will be kept safe from future harm. I extend my sincere appreciation to all officers and agencies which participated in these arrests and provided a safe harbor for this child.”

Obituary

Glenda Thomas

November 13, 1935 – May 12, 2021

Obituary

Lois Williams Luper

June 04, 1933 - May 13, 2021

Obituary

Suzanne Busby

March 13, 1952 - May 14, 2021

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 13, 2021

Ritchie Martin was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Loud and Abusive Language, Improper Telephone Communications/Improper Language/Harassment, and Terrorizing by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $25000.00.

Joshua White was booked on the charges of Careless Operation, Resisting by Flight/Aggravated Flight, Resisting an Officer/Flight on Foot, and Theft Auto Recovery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $5000.00 bond.

Ezra Bateman was booked on the charges of Possession of Heroin and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Kelli English was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Diamond Taylor was booked on the charge of Malfeasance in Office by Rayburn Correctional Center. No bond set at this time.

Debra Hutchinson was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation and Simple Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $4500.00 bond.

Brandon Miller was booked on the charges of Possession of Heroin, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule III Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Illegal Use of CDS in Presence of Person Under 17YOA by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Santanna Ratley was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule III Drugs, Possession of CDS in Presence of Juvenile, and Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent or Legal Custodian by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Arielle Walters was booked on the charge of Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Ronald Hamilton was booked on the charges of Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Illegal Tinted Windshield/Side Windows, Resisting an Officer by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Rickie Freeman, II was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Mufflers: Excessive Noise/Fumes/Smoke by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Damonte Allen was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, Distribution of Schedule 1 CDS, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Seat Belt by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

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Today in History for May 14th

AP Top Stories May 14, 2021 AM

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Captain Charged with Defrauding Office by Receiving Unearned Pay

United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on May 11, 2021 Kevin Stimage, age 44, was charged with Theft from Programs Receiving Federal Funds. If convicted, Stimage faces up to ten years imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.

According to the Bill of Information, in 2019 and 2020, Stimage was employed as a deputy assigned to the transportation division of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office which received federal funds in excess of $10,000 annually during that time period.  Although Stimage reported working 40 hours a week for TPSO during this time frame, in actuality he was working another job for a different employer, a detail at an apartment complex in Tangipahoa Parish, while purportedly on-duty for TPSO. In 2020, Stimage was promoted to Captain.

Stimage submitted false and fraudulent payroll sheets to TPSO which overstated his actual work hours.  As a result, TPSO paid him over $5,000 to which he was not entitled in both 2019 and 2020.

U. S. Attorney Evans stated that a Bill of Information is only an allegation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent until he pleads guilty or is found guilty by a jury or judge.

U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on this matter. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier.

Slidell-area Man Wanted on Attempted Murder Charge

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating Millionaire Forever Devine Route, age 23 and of the Slidell-area, in connection with a shooting that occurred Wednesday (May 12, 2021) afternoon in the Slidell area. Route is wanted on a warrant for one count of  Attempted Second Degree Murder.

STPSO deputies were dispatched to a gas station parking lot near the intersection of Gause Boulevard and Carroll Road shortly after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in reference to a shooting.  

Through the course of the investigation, STPSO detectives have learned Route targeted the victim as he pulled into the parking lot of the gas station. As the victim drove into the parking lot, Route exited his own vehicle and brandished a firearm. He fired several rounds at the victim's vehicle before fleeing the area in a white Nissan Altima.

The victim was treated on scene for superficial glass fragment injuries.

Anyone who has information about Route’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or (985) 898-2338.

Help STPSO Locate This Attempted Murder Suspect

WPSS Hosting Early Childhood Free Screening Clinic

Obituary

Kenneth Jamie Temples

May 26, 1976 - May 9, 2021

WPSO: Motorcycle Theft Suspect Arrested

In September 2020, Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal issued an alert asking the public to help identify the thief who stole a motorcycle in the Mt. Hermon area. (Click here for that story) Detectives assigned to the case were able to identify Rogerick Jamal Jones, age 30 and a  resident of Old Columbia Road, as the thief. A warrant was obtained for his arrest and Jones eluded authorities until May 11, 2021.

On May 11, 2021, Jones was arrested after a traffic stop on Highway 10 at Byrd Road. Based on the outstanding warrant, he was taken into custody and transported to the Washington Parish Jail. Jones was booked on charges of theft of a motor vehicle, theft, possession of stolen property, six counts of contempt of court, driving under suspension and not having a license plate on his vehicle.

Jones has three previous stays in the Washington Parish Jail since two arrests in 2014 when he was arrested for contempt of court, two counts of failure to appear in court and being a fugitive from another jurisdiction and two months later for possession of a stolen firearm and possession of stolen property. His third previous arrest was in 2018 for five counts of failure to appear in court.

“It seems Mr. Jones has a problem meeting his court commitments,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “He is out of jail on bond for the latest charges and only time will tell how his latest offenses play out in court. Our officer did his job and I am grateful for that.”

Solar Panel Farms Issue Takes Center Stage at Parish Council Meeting

The Washington Parish Council met Monday (May 10, 2021) evening and adopted seven ordinances,  approved one resolution, and heard reports from Parish President Richard Thomas and his staff. However, it was the issue of solar farms/plants that took center stage during the Public Participation segment of the meeting.

Ordinances and the resolution approved included 

• an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of approximately 11 acres owned by the Washington Parish Government
• an ordinance authorizing WPG to apply for and administer a grant through the 7. Louisiana Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (LCDBG-CV) HVAC improvements program
• an ordinance to levy taxes for 2021 millage at the same rate as prior year
• three ordinances accepting Déjà Vu Lane, Poole Drive, David Drive, Kelli Lane, and 11. Denis Road (sometimes referred to as Denise Road) as a Parish Roads
• one ordinance to abandon 0.15 miles of Robert Stuart Road
• a resolution authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (Intergovernmental Agreement) Between the Washington Parish Government and the Office of the District Attorney for the 22nd Judicial District for Washington and St. Tammany Parishes

Several parish residents addressed the Council during the Public Participation segment (beginning at 14:00 into video of meeting). They included Vonda Waskom, Lynette Sharp, Jennifer Brown, Wilson Lagraize, Benny Sorrell, Jo Beth Valentina, and Wilda Fisher. They expressed concerns about the solar panel farm off Hwy 16 and other proposed solar panel farms.  Their concerns and questions included environmental concerns, questions as to environmental impact studies, health concerns, “eye sore” concerns, nearby residents' quality of life concerns, transparency questions and why didn’t the citizens have any notice, how much money will parish government receive, the need for zoning and policy and procedures regulations and how will the money received through permits be spent? The issues will be at the forefront of a meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 18, 2021 at 5:00 PM in the upstairs courtroom at the courthouse in Franklinton. Immediately following the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, the Infrastructure Committee of the Washington Parish Council will meet  to consider what further action is appropriate.

Also, during Public Participation, Richard Berry followed up on a question he presented at the last Council meeting regarding Riverside Medical Center not accepting citizens' insurance and causing them to use other parish hospitals. President Thomas responded, “I have reached out twice with no return phone call.  I will get this information to you as soon as I can.”

President Thomas gave his report (beginning at 49:20 into video of the meeting) that included an update on COVID-19 in the parish. Washington Parish was at a 3.70 percent positivity rate two weeks ago and are now at 1.2 percent positivity rate. Finance Director Donna Graham related information on the budget and also said “I would like to answer the questions regarding the money the Parish Government received from the solar panels along with where the money will be going.  We should receive sales tax close to the amount of $1.6 million dollars.  Those sales taxes will be distributed as they are dedicated.  4.83% will go to the following: 

• .5% Sherriff’s Office
• 1.45% Washington Parish School systems; Franklinton, and Bogalusa
• 2.88% Washington Parish Government
• .67 Choctaw Landfill
• .33 Criminal Justice Fund, funds the mandated expenses for the parish that includes Judges, Jail, District Attorney
• .33 Road Capital Project Funds
• 1% Road Maintenance Fund 

Alex Sumrall and Transportation Supervisor Donnell Merritt reported on the following since the beginning of April: Drainage work on 28 roads covering 56 miles, delivered 24 tons of cold mix on 12 roads covering 27 miles, delivered 200 tons of hot mix on 18 roads covering 38 miles, installed 11 culverts, graded 109 roads covering 218 miles, hauled 100 yards of gravel on 1 road covering 2 miles, bushhogged 167 roads covering 336 miles, picked up 544 bags of trash on 45 roads, installed 17 signs, maintained 11 parish locations, sprayed around 100 culverts and bridges on 10 roads, and completed the following contract roads: CC Road, Fisher Road, Carol Morgan Road, Tycer Varnado Road, Madison Bateman Road, Wilson Road, Sam Thomas Road, Duncan Road, Claude Nobles Road, Lake Choctaw Road.

The Council concluded the meeting following a final review and approval of Section 1-01 through 2-10 of the Home Rule Charter (beginning at 1:07:30 into video of the meeting).

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 12, 2021

Jakyren Ladner was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released May 12, 2021.

Eulalio Escoto was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated (4th Offense) and Careless Operation by the Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.

Morgan Knotts was booked on the charge of Simple Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $750.00 bond.

Dylan Seal was booked on the charge of Simple Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $750.00 bond.

Daniel Mitchell was booked on the charges of Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and Expired or No Inspection Sticker by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Riley Simmons was booked on the charge of Illegal Discharge/Use of Weapon by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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Today in History for May 13th

AP Top Stories May 13, 2021 AM

Obituary

Simon Peter Lewis

April 15, 1942 - May 11, 2021

Rayburn Correctional Job Fair is May 20th

Prepare for Termite Season

While termites are active year round, most species of subterranean termites tend to swarm in the spring and summer months here in Louisiana. That is why Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., is reminding property owners to remain vigilant and protect their properties.

“We have a wet climate especially this time of year and termite colonies are constantly looking for new food sources. Now is the time to take proactive measures to prevent termites from destroying your investments,” added Strain.

Strain offers these tips to help protect properties:

• Fix any leaks in the roof, pipes and outside faucets on your home.
• Turn off outside lights at night or use yellow bulbs to avoid attracting swarming termites.
• Repair rotting wood on fascia, soffit, and exterior wood surfaces.
• Pick up any wood lying on the ground under and around your home.
• Store firewood away from your home.
• Clean the gutters on your home and repair sections that may be damaged.
• Trim tree limbs and vines that may be growing on your home.
• Do not allow water to pool next to the slab or under your home. Drain the water away.
• Most importantly, use only licensed and certified pest control professionals for termite treatments.

Between professional inspections, here is what property owners should look for: mud tubes on slabs, piers or walls and pinholes in wallboards, softness in flooring or blisters in paint or wallpaper.

Consumers can contact the LDAF at 225-925-4578 to find out which companies are certified and licensed. Treatments and annual inspections by a licensed, insured and bonded pest control company are a good termite preventative.

Obituary

James Allen McGehee

March 01, 1934 - May 11, 2021

Obituary

Alice Valene Desmond Smith

April 16, 1944 - May 11, 2021

Obituary

Lawrence Ray Mikeska

October 14, 1939 - May 11, 2021

Obituary

Melvin Farnell Booty

October 1, 1935 - May 11, 2021

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 11, 2021

Jessica Simmons was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Open Container in Vehicle, and Speed Unsafe for Road Conditions by the Washington Parish Sheriff's office. Released on $2500.00 bond.

Laurie Brumfield was booked on the charges of Criminal Trespass, Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released May 11, 2021.

Charlene Locke was booked on the charges of No Turn Signals, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Failure to Appear (2 counts), Failure to Pay Fine, and Issuing Worthless Checks Under 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $10352.00.

James Lang was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Taillight, No Seatbelt, and No Registration by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3500.00.

Amanda Crosby was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Registration, and Failure to Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $1500.00.

Brandon Phelps was booked on the charge of Protective Order Violation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.

Dylan Larocca was booked on the charges of No License Plate, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of CDS With Weapon Present by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $6000.00.

Christopher Patterson was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Zachary Netherland was booked on the charges of Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling and Failure to Appear by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $5050.00.

Rodrick Jones was booked on the charges of No License Plate, Driving Under Suspension, Contempt of Court (6 counts), Possession of Stolen Things 1000-5000, Theft of Motor Vehicle 1000-5000, and Theft Less Than 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $10700.00.

Talage Ratliff was booked on the charges of Terrorizing, Criminal Mischief/False Report of a Crime, Resisting Arrest by Providing False Booking Info, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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Today in History for May 12th

AP Top Stories May 12, 2021 AM

3 Sought by Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office

UPDATE: Malik Bailey and Wayne Brown have been ruled out as suspects in regard to this incident. Wayne Brown was arrested on an outstanding and was later booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. 

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office is asking for your assistance in locating Wayne Brown, Quezmon Roberts and Malik Bailey, all age 23 and all from the Village of Tangipahoa. 

Brown, Roberts, and Bailey are persons of interest in an active murder investigation which took place at Club 81 on May 8, 2021. A shooting took place  on May 8, 2021 at Club 81 inside the Village of Tangipahoa shortly after 3:00 AM. The shooting led to the death of 21-year-old Isaac Warren of Mississippi and the injuring of two others.

Quezmon Roberts and Wayne Brown are also wanted for multiple outstanding warrants.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers, (800) 654-5245. 

Bogalusa Man Arrested for Sex Offenses

In conjunction with the Department of Children and Family Services, the criminal investigation division of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of a juvenile by an adult male. The investigation resulted in the May 11, 2021 arrest of Nicholas Glen Mevers, age 33 and a resident of Avenue J in Bogalusa.

Mevers was booked into the Washington Parish Jail on charges of first degree rape, sexual battery of the infirmed and indecent behavior with a juvenile. He has no record of previous arrests in Washington Parish.

“Due to the very sensitive nature of sexual offenses committed on a young child, we can provide no further information,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “I can, though, express my disgust upon learning the details of this grievous offense. Children should always be enveloped in innocence and never subjected to sexual abuse which can lead to lifetime consequences.”

Warrant Clinic Helps Washington Parish Residents Clear Court Debts and Avoid Jail

FRANKLINTON—Nearly 100 people who had outstanding traffic or misdemeanor warrants for their arrest in Washington Parish were able to resolve those matters recently without going to jail through a “warrant clinic,” organized by District Attorney Warren Montgomery and four community groups.

A makeshift court was set up on the Washington Parish Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 1, with District Court Judges Ellen Creel and Vincent Lobello, volunteering their time to preside. They were assisted by Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Shea Penton and other staff members of the District Attorney’s office, along with employees of the Washington Parish Clerk of Court’s Office, and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

“This was a wonderful example of our state and parish agencies working with the community for the good of the people,” Montgomery said. “Thanks to all of our volunteers, especially Judges Creel and Lobello, our community volunteers, and the staff members of Clerk of Court Johnny Crain, and Sheriff Randy Seal. We couldn’t have done this without their help.”

The idea for the clinic was brought to Montgomery last year by Community Organizer Anza Becnel, founder and executive director of GRAE (Growing Real Alternatives Everywhere), a Houston-based grassroots group that has traveled the region and helped to sponsor similar clinics. After a successful event in Covington last October, Montgomery worked again with GRAE, and local community groups—the Washington Parish NAACP, Brilliant Mindz, Inc., and COCO (Champions Of Change Organization)—to repeat the program in Franklinton.

Having the “warrant clinic” in a neutral location, like the fairgrounds, was part of the plan to show people who may have been afraid to come to court that officials were willing to work with them to resolve the warrants. To qualify for the clinic, participants had to have an outstanding warrant that did not involve a victim or property damage.

Before the clinic, participants faced the possibility of being arrested if a law enforcement official had stopped them for any reason and discovered that there was an outstanding warrant for their arrest. Misdemeanor and traffic warrants often are issued by a judge if a person does not show up for court or does not pay a fine that has been ordered by the court.

More than $4,200 in outstanding fines were collected at the event, and even more is expected to be brought in over the next couple of months from participants who were given more time to pay their fines. The judges also waived thousands in fees to make it easier for the participants to pay their debts.

GRAE is working with Bogalusa City Court and City Court Judge David Duke and the same local community groups to sponsor another upcoming warrant clinic only for people with outstanding warrants in the city of Bogalusa. The event will be held Saturday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside Bogalusa City Hall, 202 Arkansas Ave. Registration in advance is required by texting the following information to 985-241-0037: Bogalusa City Court, Name, Date of Birth, Address, Phone Number. Participants will not be arrested.

Large Cache of Drugs & Money Located in Slidell-Area Residence

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested two men after a large cache of drugs and money was located during a search of a Slidell-area residence.

On May 6, 2021, members of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division assisted Louisiana Probation and Parole agents with an investigation at the residence of Sean Herron (age 43) and Patrick Ducre (age 52) in the 100 block of Ned Avenue in Slidell.

During the investigation, detectives seized approximately 151.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 52.1 grams of suspected marijuana, 0.2 grams of a Heroin and Fentanyl mixture, 0.5 dosage units of 40mg Methadone and one dosage unit of 2mg Alprazolam (Xanax). Detectives also seized 21 dosage units of 30mg Adderall, two dosage units of 5mg Diazepam, one dosage unit of LSD/ACID, 290 dosage units of 800mg Gabapentin, two THC vaping cartridges, 6 grams of THC wax, 2.5 dosage units of Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra), assorted drug paraphernalia and $3,609 believed to be proceeds derived from drug sales.

Herron was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail on the following charges: Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine with the intent to Distribute, Possession of Adderall with the Intent to distribute, Possession of LSD, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Fentanyl, Possession of Methadone, Possession of Diazepam, Possession of Xanax, Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses, Possession of THC wax/carts, Possession of Legend Drug (2 counts), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Ducre was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail on the following charges: Possession of Methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and Possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Obituary

Verlee W. Long

October 16, 1926 - May 08, 2021

Obituary

Melvin Barber

April 6, 1939 - May 5, 2021

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 10, 2021

Michael Crosley was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Required Position/Method Turning at Intersections, Driving Left of Center/Wrong Side of Highway, and Open Container in Vehicle by the Franklinton Police Department. Released on $2500.00 bond.

Shannon Smith was booked on the charge of Criminal Damage to Property Under 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2500.00 bond.

Tessie Starnes was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Thomas Frisbie was booked on the charge of Theft Less Than 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $750.00 bond.

Ursula Burkhalter was booked on the charges of Exploitation of the Infirm (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $7500.00 bond.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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Today in History for May 11th

AP Top Stories May 11, 2021 AM

Counterfeit Operation Busted in Slidell

On March 30, 2021, while executing a search warrant at a Slidell-area residence as part of a separate investigation, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office patrol deputies located $22,613 in counterfeit currency inside the home. The discovery led to the arrest of five individuals in connection with the manufacturing of counterfeit money.

An investigation into the source of the fake money, led STPSO detectives to two of the home’s residents, Lynn Pommier (age 47) and Monteia Dumas (age 28). They were charged with Criminal Conspiracy and 609 counts of Monetary Instrument Abuse. 

Detectives also learned that another roommate, Dustin Lacina (age 25) and a former roommate, Kristy Severio (age 29), were involved in the manufacturing process and they were charged with  Criminal Conspiracy and Principal to 609 Counts of Monetary Instrument Abuse. 

Further investigation led to the arrest of Kenyatta Meads (age 46), also on the charges of Criminal Conspiracy and Principal to 609 Counts of Monetary Instrument Abuse. Upon his arrest, Meads was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, and he was additionally charged with Possession of a Schedule II CDS.

All five remain in jail with bond set for Pommier at $255,000, Dumas at $120,000, Lacina at $230,250, Severio at $350,000, and Meads at $200,000.

“I’m pleased with the efforts of my deputies to expand this case and ultimately arrest these criminals who mistakenly believed they had a place in our community,” Sheriff Randy Smith said.

Obituary

Jebby David Ard

February 14, 1974 - May 7, 2021

Bogalusa City Court Warrant Clinic is May 22nd

The Bogalusa City Court will be hosting a free warrant Clinic from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 202 Arkansas Avenue on May 22, 2021. 

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 8-9, 2021

Jimmie Hackett was booked on the charges of Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm and Improper Lane Usage by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $50000.00 bond.

Tony Wells was booked In From Court

Marris Jefferson was booked on the charges of Driving Left of Center/Wrong Side of Highway, No Turn Signals, Driving While Intoxicated (3rd Offense), and Open Container in Vehicle. Released on $15000.00 bond.

Kayla Davis was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $1500.00.

Daris Brinson was booked on the charge of Possession of a Stolen Firearm by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Robert Vince was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Schedule III Drugs, and Possession of Marijuana by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Tyler Nobles was booked on the charge of Domesstic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Floyd Magee was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Improper Lane Usage by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2500.00 bond.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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Today in History for May 10th

AP Top Stories May 10, 2021 AM

Slidell Woman Sentenced To 34 Months for Stealing $475,978.53

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana announced May 6, 2021 that Rachel E. Lipps, age 40 and of Slidell, was sentenced to 34  months imprisonment by the Honorable Susie Morgan for thirty-three counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Additionally, the Court ordered that Lipps serve 3 years of supervised release, pay $3400 in special assessment fees and restitution in the amount of $473,978.53.

According to court documents, between January 2013 and October 2017, Lipps served as a part-time bookkeeper for a Slidell business and was entrusted with the daily accounting. Lipps fraudulently printed and cashed checks made payable to herself and several of her creditors.  In all, Lipps stole $473,978.53 from the business and its owners.

This matter was handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Saint Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.  United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the case. 

Click here for previous related stories

Obituary

John Dennis "Denny" Sumrall

December 15, 1952 - May 06, 2021

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 6-7, 2021

Mason Buff was booked on the charges of Possession of Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Contempt of Court by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $5250.00.

Garrett Simmons was booked on the charges of Criminal Mischief/Depriving Use or Access to Property, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling, Damage to Property With Intent to Defraud, and Criminal Trespass by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $10000.00.

Ashlynn Oalman was booked on the charges of Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Resisting Arrest by Flight, and Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $7500.00.

Mia Gill was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $1500.00

Matthew Munson was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2000.00.

Nikko Pittman was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $40000.00.

Jeremy James was booked on the charges of Possession of a Firearm or Concealed Weapon by Person Convicted of Domestic Abuse Battery, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Identity Theft by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Nicky Emmons was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear and Failure to Pay Fine by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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Today in History for May 8th

St. Tammany Fugitive Caught After High Speed Chase

After having been notified by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office of an outstanding warrant on a Washington Parish man, the wanted man was spotted by detectives from the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force on May 5, 2021. When officers attempted to stop him in Franklinton, he fled, leading Washington Parish and Franklinton Police Department officers on a high speed chase through Franklinton, then east on Highway 436. Louisiana State Police laid out spike strips near the intersection of Choctaw Road and Highway 436. The suspect vehicle evaded one set of spikes but a rear tire was punctured by the second set.

In spite of a damaged tire, the driver continued at a high rate of speed, turning south on Highway 62 and then east on Highway 10. The high speed pursuit ended near Dollar Road when the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed. The driver fled on foot with officers in pursuit. When officers caught up with him, a physical altercation occurred until the driver was subdued.

Dylan Shad Jenkins, age 27 and a resident of South Choctaw Road, was taken into custody and transported to the Washington Parish Jail where he was booked on charges of being a fugitive from St. Tammany Parish, assault on an officer, resisting an officer by flight and aggravated flight. He will be held without bond pending transfer to St. Tammany Parish.

Jenkins should be quite familiar with the interior of the Washington Parish Jail, having been there five previous times. In 2011, he was arrested for aggravated burglary. In 2012, he was arrested for another aggravated burglary, theft by fraud and simple escape. A 2013 arrest on domestic abuse with child endangerment and failure to appear in court earned him an additional jail stay. Jenkins was arrested on numerous charges in 2014, including two counts of possession of illegal drugs, resisting an officer with force or violence, battery on a police officer, resisting an officer by flight, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, criminal damage, possession of drug paraphernalia and simple escape. In 2017, Jenkins once again fled from an officer before he was arrested and booked into the Washington Parish Jail on charges of aggravated flight from an officer, battery on a police officer, resisting an officer with force or violence, three counts of theft, theft of a firearm, criminal damage to property and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

“It seems Jenkins likes to flee from officers and fight with them,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “This is not good, not good at all. His extensive criminal activity indicates he has absolutely no regard for society and no intention of being a good citizen. Jail is a good place for him and I’m pleased our parish and municipal officers were able to arrest him.”

Sign Up for Washington Parish’s Emergency Alert System

In June of 2020 Washington Parish Emergency Notification System was put in operation. This alert system provides rapid notification of emergency, critical events and urgent situations. If you haven’t already done so, sign up for Washington Parish’s new emergency alert system. 

The alert system can send notifications through the following methods: call, text, email or TTY/TTD service for the hearing impaired. Landline phones are automatically enrolled for alerts; however, to receive alerts through your mobile phone or email, you must register through one of the options below. You may also want to download the Hyper-Reach Anywhere app on your smartphone. It is a free app that allows users to manage and monitor alerts for multiple addresses, such as home, work, or family/friends. If you need assistance enrolling or have any questions, please let Jordan Dykes know. She would be happy to help! Her number is 985-839-0434.

To enroll:

• Call (985) 282-2620
• Text “Alert” to (985) 282-2620
• Sign up at http://hyper-reach.com/lawashingtonsignup.html

WPSO: 110 MPH Chase Results in Two Arrests

On May 6, 2021, a Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol sergeant was patrolling on Highway 21 south of Bogalusa when his radar clocked a southbound vehicle traveling at 110 miles per hour. After an approximate three mile chase, the suspect vehicle stopped and the officer encountered two individuals, both of whom were arrested.

The driver, Ashlynn Errin Oalman, age 20 and a resident of Wardline Road, was arrested on charges of possession with intent to distribute illegal drugs after more than 173 grams of marijuana were found in her possession. In addition, she was charged with resisting arrest by flight and reckless operation of a motor vehicle.

The passenger, John Ballard, was determined to have an outstanding warrant from the Bogalusa Police Department. He was transported to the Bogalusa City Jail and turned over to personnel there for booking.

“Wow! 110 miles per hour! That in itself is a danger to the motoring public as well as to our officer,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Miss Oalman obviously has no regard for her own safety or for the safety of others and certainly did not have good intentions for the large quantity of marijuana. Good job, Sarge! I’m pleased the incident had a safe ending.”

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Today in History for May 7th

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