Lindsey Newton Booty
February 11, 1945 — October 19, 2026
October 20, 2026
Hammond Police Officer Arrested - AGAIN
A Hammond Police officer, 28-year-old Corey Bergeron, arrested last month in connection with two domestic violence incidents has been arrested today (October 20, 2026) for violating the protective order associated with the previous arrest.
Click here for our previous reporting
Monday (October 19, 2026) morning, the TPSO Victims Unit was made aware of evidence that Bergeron was violating the court order to stay away from the victim in the domestic violence incidents he was arrested for last month.
TPSO reports that a formal request is pending with outside agencies to assume control of the overall investigation in an effort to maintain and continue our commitment to transparency and objectivity.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Two Sentenced to Life in Prison for the 2021 Bogalusa "Instagram Rap Beef" Murder
District Attorney J. Collin Sims reports that today (Tuesday, October 20, 2026), two men were each sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence for the June 7, 2021 fatal shooting at an apartment on Union Square in Bogalusa. The two sentenced were Tauj Taplin, age 24 of Amite, Louisiana, and Quardaviaon White, age 24 of McComb, Mississippi.
The sentences follow their October 2, 2026 jury convictions for Second-Degree Murder after a five-day trial before the Honorable Judge Alan A. Zaunbrecher. Assistant District Attorneys Tiffany Dover and Iain Dover represented the State during the sentencing proceedings and led the prosecution at trial, following an investigation by the Bogalusa Police Department.
On June 7, 2021, Officers responded to the scene and located a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds; he was transported to Our Lady of Angels Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators gathered evidence and determined the shooting arose from ongoing threats by local rap music figures. Authorities identified Taplin as the shooter and White as the driver of the getaway vehicle.
Click here for previous reporting on this
Following the issuance of arrest warrants, law enforcement tracked the suspects to Texas, where they were taken into custody on June 10, 2021 by the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana State Police following a vehicle stop and brief flight. Subsequent search warrants led to the recovery of two handguns, including one reported stolen out of Baton Rouge. Trial evidence, including digital and cell phone records, definitively placed both defendants at the scene.
Judge Zaunbrecher handed down the mandatory life sentences on Tuesday, with the victim's family present in the courtroom.
"While no sentence can undo the tragic loss of a loved one, today’s finality ensures that these two individuals will spend the rest of their natural lives behind bars for a senseless act of violence driven by a mindless online rivalry," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "Our office remains deeply grateful to the victim's family for their strength throughout this process, and to the Bogalusa Police Department and our prosecution team for their steadfast dedication to securing justice."
DA Sims also thanked the Bogalusa Police Department, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana State Police, Chambers County Sheriff's Office, Vidor Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) for their collaborative work during the investigation.
St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 18, 2026
Jessica Stanfield (age 46) was booked on the charges of Simple Escape/Aggravated Escape, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Careless Operation, Driver Must Be Licensed, and Resisting an Officer by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Christopher Anderson (age 50) was booked on the charge of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated by the Louisiana State Police.
Patrick Duncan (age 32) was booked on the charges of Emanating of Excessive Sound or Noise and Resisting an Officer by the Mandeville Police Department.
Ab Bernard (age 45) was booked on the charges of DWI, Improper Lane Use, and Proper Hand Signal When Turning by the Louisiana State Police.
Mark Ostarly (age 32) was booked on the charge of Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land After Being Forbidden by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Maria Conceicao (age 70) was booked on the charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Nachele Williams (age 42) was booked on the charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Mitchell Johnson (age 49) was booked on the charge of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Covington Police Department.
Jarvion Evans (age 18) was booked on the charge of Illegal Use of Weapons by the Slidell Police Department.
Taylor Fricke (age 34) was booked on the charge of Solicitation on an Interstate Highway by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Rebecca Carman (age 41) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Brittany Elam (age 30) was booked on the charges of Theft of a Motor Vehicle and DWI by the Causeway Bridge Police.
Semaj Price (age 23) was booked on the charges of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond and Contempt of Court by Bondsman.
Alyssa Wilks (age 30) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Logan Dunn (age 21) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery, Simple Battery, and Resisting an Officer by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Damien Tillman (age 20) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Louisiana State Police.
Andre McKendall (age 32) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Aggravated Assault, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, and Misuse of 911 Enhanced Emergency Phone System by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Rachel Hoffman (age 44) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription, and Theft (3 counts) by the Mandeville Police Department.
Dominick Hayden (age 20) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II by the Slidell Police Department.
Marvin Lange (age 47) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 17-19, 2026
Cedric Yarbrough (age 41 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Use Turn
Signal 100 Ft. Prior to Turn, Ran Stop Sign, and Possession of Schedule I Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department.
Ashton Gandolfo (age 19 with a Denham Springs, La. address) was booked on the charges of Open Container in Vehicle and Underage Operating While Intoxicated by the Franklinton Police Department.
Jacoby Dyson (age 34 with an Amite, La. address) was booked In For Court.
Shelby Bordelon (age 26 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked In For Court.
Desean Brumfield (age 29 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In For Court.
***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 82. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight Clear, with a low around 49. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night Clear, with a low around 50. Calm wind.
Thursday Sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 51. Calm wind.
October 19, 2026
2nd Arrest Made in Drive-by Shooting Near Natalbany
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that 23-year-old Jylin Sanders was arrested in the early
morning hours of Saturday, October 17, 2026. TPSO's Street Crimes Unit located and arrested Sanders, who had been wanted in connection with a drive-by shooting back in August of 2025. Sanders has been booked on the charges of Aggravated Assault by Drive-By Shooting, Illegal Discharge of a Weapon, and Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
In the evening hours of August 27, 2025, as two men were pulling into the driveway of a home on Dead End Street off of LA 1064, dozens of shots were fired in their direction. No one was injured, but it was determined that the vehicle they were in and the home they were in front of were struck.
The investigation revealed the shots were fired from a blue Volvo with a Mississippi license plate. Information about the case and a picture of the vehicle were shared with the public and tips came in helping detectives identify Sanders and Byron White, age 23, as the shooters. Warrants were issued for their arrest, but efforts to locate them were unsuccessful.
In December 2025, White was arrested on this case’s warrants while being investigated for an unrelated incident.
Then, in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 17, TPSO’s Street Crimes Unit took Sanders into custody after he was discovered as a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over as part of the unit’s proactive patrols.
The Street Crimes Unit was established in July and has logged more than 600 traffic stops and made just under 100 arrests in its first three months. The unit focuses its enforcement efforts on potential violent crime incidents, especially involving guns and drugs, in the parish’s high-risk areas determined by statistics, intel on active conflicts among neighborhood gangs, and tips from the public.
19-Year-Old Slidell Man on Charges of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill reports that 19-year-old Jacob Michael Haynes of Slidell was arrested October 17, 2026 on the following charges:
- 7 counts of 14:81.1 E(5)(a)-- Child Sexual abuse material under the age of thirteen (13)
- 25 Count(s) of 14:81.1-- Child Sexual abuse materials
The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation agents investigated several tips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Through the investigation, agents were able to identify Haynes and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office located, arrested Haynes, and booked him into the St. Tammany Parish Jail on his outstanding warrant. Bond has been set at $100,000.00.
This arrest was the result of a joint investigation between the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Kenner Police Department.
The investigation remains ongoing.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 17, 2026
Michael Batiste (age 63) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Riding on Roadways
and Bicycle Paths, and Bicycles/Front Lamps and Side and Rear Reflectors Required by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Candice Breland (age 38) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Denise Cavanaugh (age 38) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II 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.
Derrick Burmaster (age 47) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Assault With Firearm by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Nathan Lampo (age 21) was booked on the charges of DWI and Careless Operation by the Causeway Bridge Police.
Tillman Desoto (age 63) was booked on the charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Improper Lane Use by the Causeway Bridge Police.
Devin Anderson (age 41) was booked on the charges of Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, Failure to Register Vehicle, False MVI, and Driving Under Suspension by the Slidell Police Department.
Devin Russell (age 42) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Aggravated Assault, Possession of Schedule I, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.
Magdalene Riepele (age 37) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Mandeville Police Department.
Dawn Semernezezski (age 38) was booked on the charge of Criminal Neglect of Family by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Dequinn Price (age 41) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Jacob Haynes (age 19) was booked on the charges of Pornography Involving Juveniles With Age Restrictions and Child Sexual Abuse Materials 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 Sunny, with a high near 77. East wind around 5 mph.
Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 81. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night Clear, with a low around 51. Calm wind.
October 18, 2026
NOPD Officer Arrested by St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office
Derrick Burmaster, age 47 an a patrol officer with the New Orleans Police Department, has been arrested by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office after he brandished his service weapon at his roommate earlier this month.
Burmaster, a resident of Slidell, brandished his NOPD-issued firearm during an argument with his roommate. The incident occurred during the early morning hours of October 2 at a residence in the 3300 block of Bellwick Bay Avenue in Slidell.
Following an investigation by the STPSO Persons Crimes Unit, a warrant was obtained Friday (October 16, 2026) for his arrest on one count of L.R.S. 14:37.4 Aggravated Assault With a Firearm.
Burmaster turned himself in at the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center Saturday (October 17, 2026) morning and was booked on the above-listed charge. He was released on $15,000.00 bond.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 16, 2026
Alex Sheehan (age 30) was booked on the charge of DWI by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Tiffany Crawford (age 25) was booked on the charge of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Misti Thomas (age 55) was booked on the charges of Improper Lane Use and Operating While Intoxicated (2nd Offense) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Savannah Bourgeois (age 26) was booked on the charge of Identity Theft
by the Mandeville Police Department.
Lisa Hernandez (age 54) was booked on the charge of Simple Escape/Aggravated Escape by the Slidell Police Department.
Kristopher Wallace (age 28) was booked on the charges of Manufacture/Distribution Schedule I CDS, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, No Safety Belts, and Windshields Required by the Slidell Police Department.
Kelli McElveen (age 32) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Courtney Decoux (age 32) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault With Firearm, False Imprisonment/Offender Armed With Dangerous Weapon, Violation of Protection Order, and Second Degree Murder by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Matthew Vinti (age 41) was booked on the charge of Simple Burglary by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Aaron Sylvester (age 46) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Rayjon Walton (age 25) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Barry Hebert (age 31) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Aaron Ordoyne (age 37) was booked on the charges of Stalking, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Disturbing the Peace/Language, Aggravated Criminal Damage, Simple Criminal Damage Less Than 1000, and Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Kory Hamby (age 39) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary, Theft, and Resisting an Officer by the Mandeville Police Department.
David Garrott (age 57) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.
Dante Guyton (age 48) was booked on the charge of Periodic Renewal of Registration by Offenders by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Charles Weaver (age 32) was booked on the charges of Tampering With Surveillance/Accounting Inventory/Monitoring, Battery of Correctional Facility Employee, and Resisting an Officer by the Slidell Police Department.
Lillie Lewis (age 64) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Juwaun Gaines (age 24) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Tavarius McGee (age 42) was booked on the charges of Theft of Motor Vehicle 5000-25000, Monetary Instrument Abuse, and Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Matthew Jones (age 43) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
October 17, 2026
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 15-16, 2026
Emilie Pedrego (age 20 with no address listed) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.
Richard Botelho (age 45 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.
Roosevelt Brumfield (age 54 with a Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.
Robert Hodge (age 61 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In For Court.
Aquandre Spencer (age 27 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Assault/Drive-By Shooting, Illegal Use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities, and First Degree Murder by the Bogalusa 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.
Today Sunny, with a high near 72. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Red Flag Warning: The combination of gusty winds, ample dry fuel, and very dry conditions will allow any fire that develops to spread quickly.
Tonight Clear, with a low around 49. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday Sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind around 10 mph.
Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 48. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday Sunny, with a high near 77. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
October 16, 2026
St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 15, 2026
Jacob Sullivan (age 46) was booked on the charge of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Mandeville Police Department.
Diondre Jones (age 38) was booked on the charges of Principal to Commission of Crime and Simple Criminal Damage to Property by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Kelsey Mizell (age 28) was booked on the charges of Operating While Intoxicated (2nd Offense), Driving Under Suspension, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Open Container in Motor Vehicle, and Possession of Schedule I by the Causeway Bridge Police.
Sherry Givens (age 37) was booked on the charge of Simple Criminal Damage to Property by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Antwaine Berniard (age 34) was booked on the charges of Manufacture/Distribution Schedule II CDS (3 counts), Possession of a CDS in Drug-Free Zone, Controlled Substance Within 2000 Ft. of School, Manufacture/Distribution Schedule I CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Transactions Involving Proceeds From Drug Offenses, Possession of Firearm or Carrying Concealed Weapon, and Illegal Carrying of Weapon by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Carmen Ward (age 42) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Olvin Rivas-Hernandez (age 26) was booked on the charges of Criminal Trespass and Theft Less Than 1000 by the Covington Police Department.
Nathan Egan (age 27) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Lesean Harrison (age 29) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear (4 counts) by the Mandeville Police Department.
Randy Delise (age 37) was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle, Bank Fraud, Theft Less Than 1000, Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear (4 counts), and Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Frances Marullo (age 33) was booked on the charges of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by Agency not listed.
Harlem Butler (age 18) was booked on the charge of Negligent Carrying of a Concealed Handgun by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Anthony Disalvo (age 62) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Obstruction of Justice, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Violations of Registration Provisions, Improper Lane Use, Driving Under Suspension, Open Container in Motor Vehicle, and Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Ryan Engolia (age 39) was booked on the charges of Illegal Carrying of Weapon, Transactions Involving Proceeds From Drug Offenses, and Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms by the Slidell Police Department.
Michael Gannon (age 34) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court, Cyberstalking (2 counts), and Telephone Communications/Improper Language, Harassment by the Covington Police Department.
Camren Hill (age 21) was booked on the charges of Theft, Battery of a Police Officer, Resisting an Officer, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, and Possession of Schedule I by the Slidell Police Department.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Burn Ban is in effect for Washington Parish
The National Weather Service has issued advisories for gusty wind conditions later tonight into tomorrow and critical fire weather for Saturday. Both of these coupled with the forecasted low humidity and the lack of rainfall seen our area or forecasted for the next 7 days, Washington Parish President Seal has issued a burn ban effective immediately.
This burn ban is in effect for ALL OPEN residential and commercial burning.
Exception applies ONLY to outdoor burning in connection with the preparation of food and the use of open flames that MUST be in prefabricated concrete/metal fire enclosures or Firepit with Screen Lid. It is still recommended for outdoor cooking to be conducted with safety measures in place including using contained cooking equipment like grills and smokers, designed for cooking purposes only, on a flame-resistant surface with a water source or fire extinguisher nearby. It is also still recommended to avoid these activities on or near dried grass where a spark from that activity could cause a fire that could spread quickly.
It's crucial to adhere to burn bans during extreme fire risk conditions. These measures are in place to protect lives, property, and natural resources.
Burn Ban is in effect for Tangipahoa Parish
Effective immediately, due to the extremely dry conditions and at the request of the parish’s local fire chiefs, Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller has issued a parish-wide burn ban.
“After talking with the fire chiefs and upon review of the local forecast, we agree that a burn ban is appropriate at this time,” Miller said.
The burn ban goes into effect immediately and will remain in place until rescinded. Miller said the ban includes all open residential and commercial burning. The ban does not include bar-b-que pits, grills, or fire pits; however, the parish president asks that citizens “use extreme caution” if they utilize these items.
This Week in Louisiana Agriculture
Battling persistent drought, tracking two invasive pests, Louisiana's sweet potato harvest, and bringing agriculture into the classroom. There is much more on this week's TWILA.
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 89. Breezy, with a light northwest wind becoming north 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
Saturday Sunny, with a high near 72. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph.
Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 48. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph.
Sunday Sunny, with a high near 74. East wind around 10 mph.
Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
October 15, 2026
Beastly Bash at the Animal Shelter is Oct. 17th
Save the date and get ready for the Washington Parish Animal Shelter's Trick or Treating event! Don't miss out on Trick or Treating with the pups, playing some fun games and getting some great pictures with their spooky backdrop! It promises to be a howling good time.
Go to https://www.facebook.com/Washingtonparishanimalshelter/ for the latest.
St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 14, 2026
Joshua Marchetta (age 36) was booked on the charge of Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Roy Hurd (age 39) was booked on the charges of DWI and Careless Operation by the Louisiana State Police.
Jack Obrien (age 26) was booked on the charge of Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle by the Mandeville Police Department.
Charles Weldon (age 30) was booked on the charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Establishing Speed Zones by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
William Smith (age 57) was booked on the charge of Indecent Behavior With a Juvenile by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Kristine King (age 45) was booked on the charge of Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land After Being Forbidden by the Mandeville Police Department.
George Castillion (age 69) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle by the Slidell Police Department.
Ralph Bordelon (age 48) was booked on the charges of Hit and Run Driving With Conditions, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Improper Lane Use, and First Degree Vehicular Negligent Injuring by the Louisiana State Police.
Joseph Bellas (age 50) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, No Safety Belts, Possession of Schedule I, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Obstruction of Justice by the Slidell Police Department.
Gregory Joseph (age 59) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Covington Police Department.
Kim Castella (age 65) was booked on the charges of Prostitution and Fugitive by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Stephanie Orso (age 40) was booked on the charge of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Mandeville Police Department.
Albert Harrison (age 63) was booked on the charge of Theft 5000-25000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
James Garrett (age 55) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment and Simple Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Aaron Davis (age 28) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Aaron Norwood (age 37) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message
Plant Cool-Season Flowers for Winter and Spring Color
One thing I like about living in Louisiana is having a landscape with abundant color, even during the winter. Evergreen trees like live oaks, magnolias, and pines play a big part in this. Kumquats ripen around Christmas, camellias flower between January and March, and many hollies have red berries that hang on for a long time.
Another way to add cheer to fall, winter, and early spring landscapes is to plant cool-season flowering plants.
Petunias are classic cool-season annuals. To maximize flower production, plant them between September and early November. Early February to mid-March provides another planting window. Planting at that time can help extend the flowering period of heat-tolerant varieties into the summer.
One such heat-tolerant cultivar is Supertunia Vista Bubblegum, which was chosen as a Louisiana Super Plant several years ago. Individual plants of this vigorous, pink-flowered variety can reach 16 to 24 inches tall and 3 feet wide.
Another group of traditional cool-season flowers includes the pansy and its close relative, the viola or Johnny-jump-up. Compared to pansies, violas produce an abundance of smaller flowers. The Sorbet series of violas, which includes members with a wide variety of flower colors, joined Louisiana Super Plant ranks in 2012. Plants in this series grow to approximately 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide. It’s advised that violas and pansies be planted between late October and early December.
One of the most striking cool-season flowers is the foxglove. Those in the Camelot series were chosen as Super Plants for 2010. These can be planted between November and February, before they’re in bloom, for beautiful spring flowers.
Other cool-season Super Plant selections have included the Jolt and Amazon dianthus series, the Swan columbine series, Diamonds Blue delphinium, and one that you can snack on, Redbor kale. Besides these Super Plant selections, other cool-season flowering plants include alyssum, calendula, snapdragon, and stock.
Choose a well-drained site for bedding plants. Tilling the soil to several inches deep and incorporating 2 to 4 inches of an organic material such as compost or aged pine bark is recommended. If drainage is questionable, form a raised bed. A couple of inches of mulch will help suppress weed growth and retain moisture in the soil.
Fertilizer can be incorporated into the soil or broadcast on the surface at a rate of 0.1 pound of nitrogen per 100 square feet. The first number in the fertilizer analysis is the percentage of nitrogen in the fertilizer. Examples of fertilizer quantities that would give you 0.1 pound of nitrogen include 0.7 pound 15-9-12, 0.8 pound 13-13-13, or 1 pound 10-10-10. Slow-release fertilizers are a better option for this purpose than readily soluble ones, but either can be used.
Many flowering bedding plants perform best when planted in full sun, though some tolerate partial shade.
Let me know if you have questions.
Click here for previous LSU AgCenter's Weekly Messages
Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson is an Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter, with horticulture responsibilities in Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes. Contact Mary Helen at mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 985-277-1850 (Hammond) or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).
Message from Parish President Seal Re: Outdoor Fires
With continued dry conditions across Washington Parish, the U.S. Drought Monitor has classified portions of our parish as D0 - Abnormally Dry and D1 - Moderate Drought due to lack of rainfall.
As we prepare to enjoy the Washington Parish Free Fair, Parish President Ryan Seal encourages residents and visitors to use extra caution with outdoor fires, including debris burning and campfires.
Please keep these important fire safety tips in mind:
- Create a dirt perimeter around burn piles to help prevent fires from spreading.
- Use a metal spark screen over wood-burning fire pits to contain flying embers.
- Keep burn piles small and manageable.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Always have a garden hose, bucket of water, or other means of extinguishing a fire nearby.
- Exercise additional caution with operating equipment that may produce sparks, disposing of smoking materials, or engaging in other activities that could accidentally ignite a fire.
- Above all, avoid any activity that could carelessly start a fire.
"We want everyone to enjoy a wonderful and safe Washington Parish Free Fair. I strongly encourage property owners who welcome campers onto their property to communicate these important fire safety precautions. A little extra caution can go a long way toward protecting lives, property, and our community."
Ryan Seal, Washington Parish President
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 13-14, 2026
Renisha Lucas (age 37 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Prohibited Acts,
Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts), and Possession of Cocaine by the Bogalusa Police Department.
Jordan Webb (age 41 with no address listed) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.
Bret Moore (age 34 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, and Possession of Schedule III Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.
Caleb Magee (age 19 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Battery and Carrying Firearm/Weapon on School Property by the Bogalusa 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.
Today Areas of dense fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday A 20 percent chance of showers between 1pm and 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Light north wind becoming northwest 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
Saturday Sunny, with a high near 72. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph.
Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 49. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph.
October 14, 2026
St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 13, 2026
Amanda Martinell (age 36) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Collene Collier (age 52) was booked on the charges of DWI and Careless Operation by the Louisiana State Police.
Pamela Smith (age 66) was booked on the charges of Operating While Intoxicated (2nd Offense) and Driving Under Suspension by the Louisiana State Police.
Lionel Mack (age 18) was booked on the charge of First Degree Murder by Agency not listed.
Trevor Gainey (age 24) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole.
Ronald Carver (age 63) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.
Mario Olvera (age 40) was booked on the charges of Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, Resisting an Officer, Unlawful Entry or Reentry Into the State of Louisiana, Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles/Display of Plate, Driver Must Be Licensed, and Careless Operation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Matthew Winston (age 48) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Natalie Giron (age 20) was booked on the charge of Accessory After the Fact by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Dionne Miller (age 36) was booked on the charge of Theft by the Mandeville Police Department.
Claudette Wagner (age 39) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Tabitha Baham (age 50) was booked on the charges of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond and Contempt of Court (3 counts) by Bondsman.
Anthony Fricke (age 29) was booked on the charges of Violation of Protection Order and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Paul Kellum (age 49) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Frederic Butler (age 46) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Joseph Landry (age 38) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (3 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Serial Bank Robber Convicted in St. Tammany Parish
District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that on October 13, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found
37-year-old Byron Jamal Watson, of New Orleans, Louisiana, guilty as charged of simple robbery following a trial before the Honorable Judge Scott Gardner. Assistant District Attorneys Caitlin Rodzik and Iain Dover prosecuted the case on behalf of the State.
The conviction stems from an incident on November 7, 2025 at the Fidelity Bank located on Gause Boulevard in Slidell. Watson, disguised, waited until the bank lobby was clear of customers, then approached a teller with a note and shouted, “This is a robbery!” He fled with $2,900 in cash as employees watched him run down the street toward Rosalind Avenue.
The Slidell Police Department (SPD) quickly responded and established a perimeter. While searching the vicinity on Rosalind Drive, Detectives discovered a fresh tire mark and a puddle of liquid where a getaway vehicle had been parked. Detectives obtained surveillance video from a nearby building at Rosalind and Frederick Drive showing a silver Jeep Liberty running a stop sign at 3:43 PM - just minutes after the robbery - with no other moving vehicles in the area during that timeframe.
Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) searches conducted by SPD led Detectives to locate an image of a silver Jeep Liberty without a license plate entering Interstate 10 at Gause Boulevard at 3:47 PM. Although the plate was missing, the vehicle displayed a distinctive rear window sticker. Detectives were later provided an ALPR image of a Jeep bearing the exact same sticker, registered to Watson. Further investigation revealed that Watson’s physical description matched that of the robber and that Watson had two prior bank robbery convictions. An arrest warrant was subsequently obtained.
During opening remarks, ADA Caitlin Rodzik emphasized the strength of the circumstantial evidence presented to the jury, stating:
"The evidence will show that it is Byron Watson behind that disguise. Who is Byron Watson? He's a convicted bank robber. If you're going to get caught because of a bank robbery where you were identified by your neck tattoos, you might want to wear a neck brace next time you want to rob a bank."
District Attorney Collin Sims commended the joint law enforcement effort that brought Watson to justice:
"Byron Watson has a long history of committing bank robberies across multiple jurisdictions outside of St. Tammany Parish. He thought he could bring his criminal activities into our community and escape accountability, but he was wrong. Thanks to the thorough, relentless investigation by law enforcement, we have finally put a stop to his serial criminal career. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Slidell Police Department, specifically Detective Louis Pellissier, as well as the Louisiana State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their exceptional teamwork and commitment to keeping St. Tammany Parish safe."
Sentencing is scheduled for November 2, 2026, before Judge Scott Gardner. Watson’s prior criminal record includes four bank robberies, one aggravated robbery, and an aggravated flight. Due to his extensive felony record, Watson faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Areas of dense fog before 11am. Otherwise, partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight Clear, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday Sunny, with a high near 90. Light north wind increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
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