St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for July 10, 2026

Alana Jackson (age 44) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule IV and Improper Turn by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Sunnie Whitaker (age 36) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the Mandeville Police Department.

Jerry Wicker (age 48) was booked on the charges of Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear (3 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Joshua Bruhn (age 38) was booked on the charge of Violation of Protection Order by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Dwayne Cousin (age 35) was booked on the charges of Operating While Intoxicated (2nd Offense) and Fugitive (2 counts) by the Louisiana State Police.

Kevin Jones (age 37) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule III CDS by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Joseph West (age 67) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Gerard LeBlanc (age 27) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Obstructing Public Passages, Driving Under Suspension, and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Grant Masterson (age 33) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment, Interfering With Emergency Communication, and Contempt of Court by the Covington Police Department.

Roderick McCray (age 42) was booked on the charges of Housed for Court and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Curtiece Boykin (age 32) was booked on the charge of Theft Less Than 1000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jaylen Lewis (age 19) was booked on the charges of First Degree Murder, Illegal Carrying of a Firearm Used in the Commission of a Crime, and Simple Criminal Damage to Property by the Covington Police Department.

Daniel Hebert (age 37) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment (2 counts) and Interfering With Emergency Communication by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Payton Butler (age 26) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Amber Seifert (age 31) was booked on the charges of Theft, Possession of Schedule I, Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription by the Slidell Police Department.

David Mercer (age 72) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

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

Folsom Youth Pastor Arrested

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office reported Friday (July 10, 2026) that STPSO assisted another law enforcement agency with the arrest of 72-year-old David Mercer and the execution of a search warrant at a residence owned by First Baptist Church of Folsom.

Mercer, a youth pastor at the church, was arrested for sexually abusing multiple children during the 1990s and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center as a fugitive. No bond has been set at this time.

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

At the request of the investigating agency, investigators with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Special Victim’s Unit assisted with the search of the church-owned residence in Folsom.

The investigation is ongoing, and investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Mercer, or who has information that could assist investigators, is encouraged to contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office at (985) 898-2338 or their local law enforcement agency.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office will continue working with its law enforcement partners as this investigation continues.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 9-10, 2026

Jonathon Huy Vo (age 21 with a Baton Rouge, La. address) was booked on the charges of Attempted Pornography Involving Juveniles, Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s), and Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Timothy Mizell (age 31 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of No License Plate, Improper Equipment, No Seat Belt, Possession of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts), Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, and Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Samantha Landry (age 31 with a Covington, La. address) was booked on the charge of Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land After Being Forbidden by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Steven Crenshaw (age 53 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of General Speed Law, Prohibited Acts, and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

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

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 3pm and 5pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5pm. High near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday Night   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. 

Monday   A 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 84. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. 

Monday Night   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. 

Mt. Hermon Ruritan Club Hunter Safety Course

The two day course is July 31st @ 5:00pm- 9:00pm and August 1st @ 8:00am - 2:00pm. Note: The Course is free and you must attend both days! To register, go to https://louisianaoutdoors.com/events/196289

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for July 9, 2026

Margeaux Murray (age 35) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Shannon Foster (age 57) was booked on the charge of Simple Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

John Bourgeois (age 33) was booked on the charges of DWI and Ignore Traffic Signal by the Louisiana State Police.

Kyila Lormand (age 23) was booked on the charges of Prohibited Acts/Schedule IV by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

Marcus Navarre (age 25) was booked on the charge of Simple Escape by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Kevin Parker (age 55) was booked on the charges of Parole Violation, Theft Less Than 1000, and Illegal Possession of Stolen Things Less Than 1000 by Probation and Parole.

Danielle Elkins (age 42) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Possession of Schedule III by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Bregette Manton (age 44) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Driving Left of Center by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jamie McNeese (age 26) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Robert Blevins (age 23) was booked on the charges of Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Contempt of Court, and Illegal Possession of Stolen Things 5000-25000 by the Slidell Police Department.

Heidi Hoffman (age 42) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Contempt of Court (3 counts) by the Slidell Police Department.

Jeremy Sheridan (age 38) was booked on the charges of Manufacture/Distribution Schedule I, Drug Paraphernalia, and Riding on Roadways and Bicycle Paths by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Joseph Impastato (age 32) was booked on the charges of Fugitive, Child Sexual Abuse Material, and Unlawful Deep Fakes of a Minor by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jonathan Hooge (age 47) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

John Singletary (age 51) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Nicholas Rodi (age 31) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

AG Liz Murrill's LBI Arrests Slidell Man For using AI to Create Child Sexual Abuse Material

Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) agents arrested a Slidell man for using AI to create Child Sexual Abuse Material. The suspect, 32-year-old Joseph Impastato III, of Hayes Road in Slidell, was identified after agents received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The NCMEC CyberTip reported a user on an AI platform uploaded an image of child sexual abuse material to his account for the purpose of creating sexual content of a juvenile through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Impastato was identified as the user and a search warrant executed at his residence this date.

Impastato was subsequently arrested on the charges of Child Sexual Abuse Material under the Age of Thirteen - 1 count and Unlawful Deepfakes Involving a Minor - 2 counts.

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

Homeland Security Investigations, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, the 22nd JDC SVU Task Force, and the Covington Police Department assisted LBI in this investigation.

Impastato was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail.

His bond information remains unknown.

The investigation remains ongoing. 

Obituary

Rita Von Pittman Mizell

October 30, 1938 - July 9, 2026

Obituary

Astrid Elise Donaldson

July 7, 2026

Obituary

Rev. Carl Freeman 

November 26, 1948 — July 8, 2026

Washington Parish Council Agenda for July 13, 2026

The Washington Parish Council will meet at 5:30 PM on July 13, 2026 in Council Chambers at the Courthouse in Franklinton. The meeting will  be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/mthermonwebtv

Before the Regular Meeting, a Public Hearing will be held on the following:

• Ordinance No. 26-789: Adopt an Ordinance Establishing "No-Thru Truck Routes" on Certain Parish Roads as per Ordinance No. 13-577.

On the Agenda for the Regular Meeting are the following: 

Austin Magee: Candidate for Louisiana's Congressional District 5 

ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/DISCUSSION ITEMS

• Ordinance No. 26-789: Adopt an Ordinance Establishing "No Thru Truck Routes" on Certain Parish Roads as per Ordinance Number 13-577.

• Resolution No. 26-1507: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Workforce Development Stipend for Washington Parish Government Employees who Successfully Complete the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training Through Geaux Jobs.

• Resolution No. 26-1508: Adopt a Resolution by the Washington Parish Council to  Authorize the Parish President to Sign an Intergovernmental Agreement with  Tangipahoa Parish Government for the Rehabilitation of Cecil Painter Road.

• Resolution No. 26-1509: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Washington Parish President to Execute an Agreement with RCL Architecture, LLC for Schematic Site Planning and Conceptual Design Services for the Varnado Recreation Center, and to Utilize Opioid Settlement Funds for Said Project.

• Resolution No. 26-1510: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Washington Parish President to Execute an Entity/State Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) for State Project No. H.015433 / Federal Aid Project No. H015433, George Jenkins Road Over Berrys Creek

• Resolution No. 26-1511: Adopt a Resolution of the Washington Parish Council Authorizing the Parish President to Execute an Entity/State Agreement, Funding Commitment Letter, and any Related Documents with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) for State Project No. H.016879 / Federal Aid Project No. H016879, LA 25: Washington Parish Sidewalk Segment A2.

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

New Washington Parish Jail Update

Press Release from Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith

Washington Parish needs a new jail. That is not a recent conclusion — it is one that has been documented, deferred, and handed from one administration to the next for longer than it should have been. This past year, that changed. We took concrete steps toward replacing the current facility with one built to meet the demands of modern correctional operations, and those steps are worth explaining.

The current jail was not designed for what it is being asked to do. Age, layout, and  infrastructure limitations create daily operational challenges for the deputies and staff who work there, and they create compliance pressures that are not going away. Maintaining a facility past its useful life is not a savings — it is a cost that compounds quietly, in repairs, in liability, in the toll it takes on the people who report for work there every day. The question has never been whether to replace it. The question has been when, and how.

This year produced real answers to both.

In December last year, the Sheriff acquired property along Highway 10, near the  Veterans Memorial Park and the parish Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The location is a deliberate choice. Proximity to the EOC supports coordinated response during major incidents, and the site in the center of the parish provides the access and expansion capacity a facility of this scale requires. Securing that land was a necessary first step, and it is done.

Funding has been the historic obstacle to this project, and this year brought meaningful movement on that front. The State of Louisiana dedicated $27 million toward  construction of the new facility. Those funds are currently designated as priority 5 appropriations, which means they are not available for expenditure this year. The path forward is straightforward: we will either use that commitment to bond the construction of the project or work to move the appropriation into priority 1 status next year. Either way, the money is identified and the state's commitment is on record.

What is available now — and already at work — is $500,000 in cash provided to begin the design process. Grace Designs will be the project's architectural firm, and work with that team begins within the next month. Design is where intention becomes a building and starting that process is the most consequential near-term step this project can take.

The new facility will address what the current one cannot: adequate separation of inmate populations, modern medical and mental health capacity, improved sight lines and staffing ratios, and infrastructure built to current code. A modern jail also means better working conditions for the people who staff it every day.

Washington Parish is not a wealthy parish. Large capital projects do not come easily here. What has been accomplished this year — the property, the state funding, the design contract — represents real and sustained effort. There is more work ahead, and it will take time. But the foundation is in place, and this administration intends to see it through. 

The people of Washington Parish deserve a jail that works. We will build one. 

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. Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight   A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Saturday   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. 

Saturday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Sunday   A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. 

Sunday Night   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind. 

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for July 8, 2026

Kryran Nelson (age 31) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation, Domestic
Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment, and Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.

Ivory Grace (age 38) was booked on the charges of Theft 1000-5000 and Battery of a Police Officer/In Legal Custody by the Slidell Police Department.

Frank Nuzzo (age 68) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Driving Under Suspension by the Mandeville Police Department.

Alvin Butler (age 51) was booked on
the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the Slidell Police Department.

Theodore Lampkin (age 49) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS and Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Steven Branch (age 36) was booked on the charges of First Degree Rape/Victim Under 13 YOA and Second Degree Rape by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Mark Shepherd (age 63) was booked on the charge of Theft of Motor Vehicle 5000-25000 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Rick Ruiz (age 45) was booked on the charges of Taking Contraband To and From Penal Institution, Possession of Schedule II, and Criminal Trespass by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Leslie Bertrand (age 57) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule IV, Possession of Schedule I (3 counts), Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting an Officer, Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land After Being Forbidden, and Illegal Carrying of Weapon by the Slidell Police Department.

Joeray Spencer (age 69) was booked on the charge of Violation of Protection Order by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Corrine Chamberlain (age 47) was booked on the charges of Accessory After the Fact, Second Degree Rape, and Cruelty to Juveniles by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Joe Williams (age 20) was booked on the charges of Theft and Contributing to the Delinquency by the Covington Police Department.

Braxton Grimmer (age 18) was booked on the charge of Second Degree Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Adrien Villemuer (age 51) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Etollie Sylvest (age 42) was booked on the charges of Theft of a Firearm, Possession of Firearm or Carrying Concealed Weapon, Theft 5000-25000, and Jumping Bail by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Ruben Sosa-Gudiel (age 29) was booked on the charge of Resisting an Officer by the Louisiana State Police.

Carl Pritchard (age 35) was booked on the charges of Fugitive (2 counts), Domestic Abuse Battery, and Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence by the Slidell Police Department.

Drin Shaw (age 32) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the Slidell Police Department.

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

Two Sentenced for Abusing Disabled Resident at Hammond Community Home

Attorney General Liz Murrill announced today (July 9, 2026) that the Louisiana Department of Justice's
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) has secured guilty pleas and sentences for two former employees of the Camellia Drive Community Home in Hammond for their roles in the abuse of a disabled resident and the recording of the assault.

On July 7, 2026, 23-year-old Alexis Nicole George of Ponchatoula, and 27-year-old Alexis Calvreyona Brown of Hammond, each were sentenced for their roles in the abuse of a disabled resident at the Medicaid-funded facility. Both pleaded guilty back in May for their roles in the assault. 

While acting as employees at the community home for individuals with disabilities, Brown repeatedly struck a disabled resident in her care. George failed to intervene, encouraged the abuse, recorded the assault on her cellphone, and posted the video to Instagram instead of reporting the incident. The video ultimately led to the investigation, arrests, guilty pleas, and sentences of both women.

Brown pleaded guilty as charged to Cruelty to the Infirm. George pleaded guilty as charged to Cruelty to the Infirm, Abuse of Persons with Infirmities through Electronic Means, and Abuse and Neglect of Adults. Each was sentenced to five years with the Department of Corrections, with all but one year suspended, credit for time served, and five years of active supervised probation upon their release.  

"The people entrusted to care for our most vulnerable citizens have a duty to protect them, not abuse them. We will continue to investigate these crimes and hold those responsible accountable," said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

NTCC Heavy Equipment Operator Class Starts Aug. 17th

Covington Career Drug Dealer Gets Life Sentence

District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that on Wednesday (July 8, 2026), the Honorable Judge Richard Swartz sentenced 46-year-old John Silas Joiner, Jr. of Covington, Louisiana, to a mandatory term of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. The sentencing follows Joiner’s unanimous conviction by a St. Tammany Parish jury on May 22, 2026, where he was found guilty on 15 total counts spanning narcotics, weapons, flight, and resisting arrest charges.

In addition to the mandatory life sentence for the fentanyl trafficking charge, Judge Swartz handed down multiple individual terms ranging from 1 to 15 years for the remaining 14 counts, ordering all sentences to run concurrently. Furthermore, Assistant District Attorneys Iain Dover and Christina Fisher, who prosecuted the case, note that the state intends to file a multiple-offender bill under Louisiana’s Habitual Offender Statute, which would subject the defendant to additional statutory sentencing increases.

"Today’s life sentence ensures that a dangerous repeat offender will never again be able to poison our neighborhoods or compromise the safety of our children," District Attorney Collin Sims said following the hearing. "This defendant chose to repeatedly traffic lethal volumes of fentanyl and run a clandestine pill press right in a home where young children lived. I am grateful to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office for their thorough investigations and to ADAs Iain Dover and Christina Fisher for their exceptional work from trial to final sentencing."

The series of convictions stem from two separate law enforcement operations conducted by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO) in 2023. The first took place in January 2023 during a traffic stop, during which Joiner resisted arrest, struck a detective, and briefly fled on foot. A search of his vehicle uncovered 450 dosage units of fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, a digital scale, brass knuckles, and an AR-style 9mm pistol equipped with a 50-round drum magazine.

The second investigation unfolded in September 2023 after authorities intercepted a jail video call between Joiner and his co-defendant, Amanda Flocke, 40. The video depicted Flocke counting thousands of illicit fentanyl pills on a kitchen table in the immediate presence of minor children. A subsequent search warrant executed at their Mandeville residence revealed 2,746 counterfeit blue "M30" fentanyl tablets, crystal methamphetamine, pharmaceutical pills, and a clandestine manufacturing laboratory setup in the garage used to press fraudulent ecstasy tablets. Flocke previously pleaded guilty on May 8, 2026, to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 30 years in the Department of Corrections.

The concurrent sentences imposed by Judge Swartz today include:

• Possession with intent to distribute less than 28 grams of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance over 250 grams - Life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole
• Creation or operation of a clandestine laboratory for the unlawful manufacture of a controlled dangerous substance - 10 years
• Possession with intent to distribute less than 28 grams of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance - 10 years
• Possession with intent to distribute less than 28 grams of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance - 10 years
• Possession with intent to distribute less than 28 grams or more of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance - 15 years
• Transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses - 10 years
• Illegal carrying of weapons while in possession of a CDS - 10 years
• Possession of firearm or carrying concealed weapon by a person convicted of certain felonies -10 years
• Simple escape - 1 year
• Possession of less than two (2) grams of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance - 2 years
• Possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance less than 2 grams - 2 years
• Possession with intent to distribute less than twenty-eight (28) grams of a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance - 10 years
• Transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses - 10 years
• Possession of fentanyl - less than two grams - 2 years
• Illegal carrying of weapons while in possession of a CDS - 10 years

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 8, 2026

Paul Dessommes (age 57 with a Gulfport, Ms. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Kayla Mitchell (age 38 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Proof of Insurance, and No Drivers License by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Rafael Garcia-Barahona (age 40 with Gretna, La. address) was booked on the charges of Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Switched License Plates, and Driving Under Suspension by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $758.00.

Andrew Miller (age 52 with a Raceland, La. address) was booked on the charges of Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s), Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Attempted Pornography Involving Juveniles, and Resisting Arrest 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 7, 2026

Amber Thompson (age 58) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Schedule III, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Covington Police Department.

Damien Antoine (age 36) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the Slidell Police Department.

Tyrus Guidry (age 18) was booked on the charges of Illegal Carrying of Weapon, Penalty for Distribution or Possession With Intent to Distribute, Prohibited Acts/Schedule II Penalties, and Fugitive by the Covington Police Department.

Thomas Barnett (age 49) was booked on the charge of Unlawful Operation From a Minor by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Calvin Martin (age 39) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Contempt of Court (4 counts) by the Covington Police Department.

April Mathis (age 38) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Landin Warren (age 21) was booked on the charge of Illegal Use of Weapons by the Covington Police Department.

Matthew Jones (age 42) was booked on the charges of Obstruction of Justice, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS (4 counts), Possession Schedule IV With Intent to Distribute (2 counts), Transactions Involving Proceeds From Drug Offenses, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Dewey Ard (age 45) was booked on the charges of Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear and Fugitive by the Mandeville Police Department.

Vincent Nuzzo (age 59) was booked on the charge of Terrorizing by the Mandeville Police Department.

Victoria Medus (age 18) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Christian Wagner (age 64) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Arson by the Mandeville Police Department.

Stephen Meiners (age 32) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II (3 counts), Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS (2 counts), and Improper Turn by the Department of Corrections.

Dustin Yrle (age 20) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Assault With Firearm by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Alexis Leaphart (age 24) was booked on the charges of Turning Improper at Intersection, Possession of Schedule I, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Illegal Possession of a Short-Barreled Rifle by the Slidell 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   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight   A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday   Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

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

Saturday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. 

LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message

Early Bird Gold and Goldsturm are Deserving of Super Plant Status

Each year, the LSU AgCenter names several Louisiana Super Plants. Plants chosen for this designation are expected to perform well in the state.

Two varieties of Rudbeckia fulgida, Early Bird Gold and Goldsturm, are among the 2026 selections. This species is sometimes called orange coneflower or black-eyed Susan. One of my favorite things about these plants is that they tend to be reliably perennial in Louisiana, returning year after year. Note that the name black-eyed Susan is more commonly used for the closely related R. hirta, which isn’t as reliably perennial, though it often comes back from seed.

Orange coneflower isn’t considered native to Louisiana, per se, but it is native to several states in the Deep South, as well as other states in the eastern US.

Goldsturm has been around for many years, having been selected in 1937, and can be freely propagated. Early Bird Gold is a much newer introduction. A specimen with unique characteristics was noticed growing among Goldstrum plants at Dupont Nursery in Louisiana and patented as Early Bird Gold in 2009.

Early Bird Gold is more compact than Goldsturm and starts flowering earlier, around mid- to late May. Goldsturm begins blooming in late June to early July and can continue through late August, while Early Bird Gold tends to be well past its peak by late July. Having both varieties gives you a longer season of flowers.

Plant these on a well-drained site with full sun to 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).

Obituary

Luther Alan Miley

December 26, 1959 - July 6, 2026

Obituary

John Delmer Stevens

July 14, 1937 - July 7, 2026

Obituary

Derris Wayne Ray, MD

January 1, 1952 - July 6, 2026

Obituary

Mildred Magee Graves

May 23, 1928 — July 1, 2026

Obituary

Patrick J. "Pat" Crain

December 21, 1943 - July 3, 2026

Obituary

Ruby Williams Dykes

July 25, 1937  -  July 4, 2026

Four Indicted on Rape and Child Sexual Abuse Charges

District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that a St. Tammany Parish Grand Jury has returned true bill indictments against four individuals in separate cases involving first-degree rape and sexual abuse of victims under the age of 13.

1. Caleb Michael Rizan, age 22 and of Kentwood, Louisiana, was indicted on charges stemming from offenses that occurred between January 1, 2020, and May 31, 2021, involving a juvenile victim under the age of 13. Rizan was arrested on March 19, 2026, by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office. The grand jury indicted Rizan on the following counts: One count of First-Degree Rape Involving a Victim Under the Age of Thirteen and two counts of Sexual Battery Involving a Victim Under the Age of Thirteen

2. Louis Jaden Willis, age 21 and of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was indicted for offenses occurring between January 1, 2020, and May 31, 2021, involving a juvenile victim under the age of 13. Willis was arrested on March 16, 2026. The grand jury indicted Willis on the following counts: One count of First-Degree Rape Involving a Victim Under the Age of Thirteen and One count of Sexual Battery Involving a Victim Under the Age of Thirteen

3. Christopher Dale Newman, age 31 and of Madisonville, Louisiana, was indicted following an investigation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office. The charges involve a juvenile victim under the age of 13 and span offenses occurring on or about June 3, 2023, and December 19, 2025. Newman was arrested on March 17, 2026. The grand jury indicted Newman on the following counts: One count of First-Degree Rape Involving a Victim Under the Age of Thirteen, One count of Sexual Battery Involving a Victim Under the Age of Thirteen, Three counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials, and One count of Aggravated Crime Against Nature Involving a Victim Under the Age of Thirteen by a Related Offender

4. Jacob Tate McDonald, age 22 and of Violet, Louisiana, was indicted for offenses that occurred between July 22, 2021, and July 21, 2023, involving a juvenile victim under the age of 13. McDonald was arrested on May 6, 2026. The grand jury indicted McDonald on the following count: One count of First-Degree Rape Involving a Victim Under the Age of Thirteen

Following these indictments, all four defendants will be scheduled for formal arraignments in the 22nd Judicial District Court, where they will enter their pleas.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 7, 2026

Avantez Brumfield (age 17 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Home Invasion/Force or Violence by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Jamirel Causey (age 20 with no address listed) was booked on the charge of Carjacking by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Stacy McElveen (age 50 with a Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

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

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Tonight   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Thursday   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 3pm and 5pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Friday   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for July 6, 2026

Victoria Bercegay (age 37) was booked on the charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Careless Operation, and Hit and Run by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Gregory Ford (age 46) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Johnnie McDaniel (age 22) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jessica Cooley (age 44) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Matthew Morales (age 42) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Derrick Johns (age 52) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the Mandeville Police Department.

Ryan Mizell (age 36) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Raymond Hart (age 55) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Gero Cook (age 46) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Assault With Firearm, Possession of Firearm or Carrying Concealed Weapon, Negligent Carrying of a Concealed Handgun, and Resisting an Officer by the Slidell Police Department.

Brent LeBlanc (age 37) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Dyahivanna Rich (age 25) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Ray Martinez (age 53) was booked on the charge of Issuing Worthless Checks by the Pearl River Police Department.

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

James Owens (age 63) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Covington Police Department.

Raven Badeaux (age 23) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Michael Jackson (age 64) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Hayden Wright (age 30) was booked on the charge of Simple Burglary by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Altoral Terrell (age 28) was booked on the charges of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond by Bondsman.

Francis Broussard (age 36) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Dominic Nevil (age 41) was booked on the charge of Simple Kidnapping by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Trevor Tony (age 30) was booked on the charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Improper Lane Use, and Open Container in Motor Vehicle by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

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

Executive Order by Parish President Ryan Seal Honoring Former Parish President Mervin Etoy "Toye" Taylor, Jr.

Parish President Ryan Seal has issued the attached Executive Order directing that the flags of Washington Parish Government be flown at half-staff in honor and remembrance of former Washington Parish President Mervin Etoy "Toye" Taylor, Jr.

The lowering of the flags serves as a symbol of respect and gratitude for Mr. Taylor's service to Washington Parish and his contributions to our community.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Taylor family and all who knew and loved him during this time of loss.

Obituary

Shirlean Lewis Harry

September 23, 1940 - July 1, 2026

Obituary

Rev. Marvin "Skeeter" Austin, Jr.

August 8, 1979 — June 26, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 5-6, 2026

Brycen Crawford (age 19 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Underage Operating While Intoxicated, General Speed Law, and Illegal Tinted Windshield/Side Windows by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2656.00.

Tyron Nelson (age 26 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) and Probation and Parole Hold by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Leandras Stribling (age 18 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Nicole Pruiett (age 31 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Caleb Holmes (age 20 with no address listed) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Prohibited Acts/All Schedules, and Theft 1000-5000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Matthew Slade (age 51 with a Bogalusa, La address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under Suspension, and General Speed Law by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Corey Dykes (age 36 with a Covington, La. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Lane Usage, Stop Signs and Yield Signs Violations, Resisting an Officer, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Edward Conerly (age 65 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Cocaine by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Kendall Rowell (age 46 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Attachment by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Delores Kennedy (age 22 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Violent & Tumultuous Manner and Simple Battery by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Amber Graham (age 44 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule I Drugs (2 counts), Possession of Schedule III Drugs, Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Christian Gable (age 18 with no address listed) was booked on the charge of Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Beyonce Pittman (age 24 with an Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Assault, Disturbing the Peace/Violent & Tumultuous Manner, Aggravated Battery, Cruelty to Juveniles by the Bogalusa Police Department and on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Stephanie Gibson (age 51 with a Hammond, La address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Dim Headlights, No Drivers License, No Insurance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (3rd + Offense), and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $12000.00.

Brandon Robertson (age 46 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

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

Obituary

Jill Stafford Bulloch

March 12, 1954 - July 5, 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 5pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind.

Wednesday   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.

Thursday   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Slidell Man Convicted & Sentenced on Child Sex Abuse Charges

District Attorney J. Collin Sims announced today (July 6, 2026) that on July 2, 2026, 54-year-old Abelardo Lee Rosa of Slidell, Louisiana, pleaded guilty as charged to several child sexual abuse charges. The plea was entered before the Honorable Judge Vincent J. Lobello, following a comprehensive investigation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO).

Rosa pleaded guilty as charged to the following offenses:

• Sexual Battery (Victim under 15)
• Oral Sexual Battery (Victim under 15)
• Molestation of a Juvenile (Involving a position of control or supervision)
• Video Voyeurism (Involving a child under 17)
• Production of Pornography Involving Juveniles (41 Counts)

Judge Lobello sentenced Rosa to 19.5 years in prison, just six months shy of the maximum statutory penalty. Per the court's order, all counts are to be served without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, with the sole exception of count three. Rosa was immediately remanded to the custody of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office to begin serving his sentence.

The investigation began in August 2024 when a local therapist notified the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the STPSO Special Victims Unit (SVU) regarding disclosures made by a juvenile friend of the victim. STPSO Detectives, alongside a DCFS Child Protection Investigator, launched an immediate investigation at a local high school.

The juvenile victim subsequently underwent a detailed forensic interview at the Children’s Advocacy Center Hope House, exposing a pattern of systematic, horrific abuse by Rosa.

Evidence gathered during the investigation - including electronic recordings found on household devices, a written confession letter, and an admission by Rosa that he viewed the victim "as an object in a pornographic film" - uncovered that Rosa used a system of manipulation and coercion to subject the victim to sexual acts. Furthermore, Rosa used his cell phone to secretly record the victim undressing through the bottom edge of a bathroom door, resulting in dozens of counts of production of child pornography.

Assistant District Attorney Shelby Stoop prosecuted the case on behalf of the State.

"The details of this case are profoundly disturbing, revealing a massive violation of trust by someone who should have been a protector," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "Thanks to the bravery of the young victim, the diligence of our partners at the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the swift action of the mandatory reporter who spoke up, this predator has been stripped of his freedom. Our office remains relentlessly committed to aggressively prosecuting those who exploit our most vulnerable citizens and ensuring they face the full weight of justice."

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for July 5, 2026

Rene Kiern (age 28) was booked on the charge of Illegal Use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Evelyn Pullman (age 42) was booked on the charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Careless Operation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Angelo Dileonardo (age 35) was booked on the charges of Operating Vehicle While Intoxicated (3rd Offense) and Driving Under Suspension by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Annalise Alfaro (age 22) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court, Operating While Intoxicated (2nd Offense), Careless Operation, Driving Under Suspension, and Expired License Plate by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Johnel Tinsley (age 34) was booked on the charge of Penalty for Distribution or Possession With Intent to Distribute by the Louisiana State Police.

Kenneth Pitts (age 32) was booked on the charge of DWI by the Louisiana State Police.

Stephen Kelley (age 31) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment and Domestic Abuse Battery With Serious Bodily Injury by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Shawn Brown (age 37) was booked on the charges of Battery of a Dating Partner and Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Tevis Williamson (age 27) was booked on the charge of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond and Contempt of Court by Bondsman.

John Watford (age 28) was booked on the charge of Illegal Use of Weapons by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Tabius Hallock (age 66) was booked on the charge of DWI by the Louisiana State Police.

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

Obituary

Lerue Everett Watson, III

November 22, 1937 to July 4, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.

Tuesday   A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between noon and 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.

Wednesday   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

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

Obituary

Nelda Fay Allen

January 3, 1943 - July 3, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for July 4, 2026

Elizabeth Boehm (age 27) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Maia Perun (age 34) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

James Wagner (age 65) was booked on the charges of DWI, Careless Operation, and Open Container in Vehicle by the Louisiana State Police.

Remie Allen (age 49) was booked on the charges of DWI and Improper Lane Use by the Louisiana State Police.

Neichell Raymond (age 50) was booked on the charges of Establishing Speed Laws, Illegal Window Tint, Possession of Schedule I, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription, and Drug Paraphernalia by the Mandeville Police Department.

Jeremi Brock (age 18) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule I, Drug Paraphernalia, and Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription by the Mandeville Police Department.

Madison Menne (age 24) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery With Child Endangerment by the Slidell Police Department.

Kobe Szura (age 27) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Alysa Graham (age 23) was booked on the charges of DWI and Careless Operation by the Louisiana State Police.

Jeremy Beard (age 47) was booked on the charges of Battery of Dating Partner/Strangulation, Simple Criminal Damage Less Than 1000, Simple Robbery, Interfering With Emergency Communication, and False Imprisonment (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Davon Johnson (age 37) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Wayne Vandyke (age 52) was booked on the charges of Fugitive and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear (2 counts) by the Covington Police Department.

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

Obituary

Mervin Etoy “Toye” Taylor, Jr.

August 24, 1954 – July 4, 2026 

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 3-4, 2026

Tammy Williams (age 59 with an Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Careless Operation With Accident, and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Kevin Swazey (age 52 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Michael Brice (age 53 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Flight From an Officer, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II, Obstruction of Justice, Aggravated Assault Upon a Peace Officer, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Sale Distribution or

Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, Possession of Schedule 3 With Intent to Distribute, and Transactions Involving Proceeds From Drug Offenses by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

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

Obituary

Susan Ann Mizell Martin

September 29, 1955 – July 1, 2026

Obituary

George Earl Bullock

March 28, 1950 - July 2, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2pm and 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight   A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers after 4am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind. 

Monday   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday Night   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind. 

Tuesday   A 50 percent chance of showers with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. 

Tuesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind.