Alberta R. Dillon
July 23, 1952 - February 24, 2026
February 27, 2026
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 52. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday Sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Calm wind.
Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
February 26, 2026
Video: Legislative Audit Advisory Council & City of Bogalusa on February 26, 2026
The Legislative Audit Advisory Council met today (February 26, 2025) at 10:00 AM. The City of Bogalusa was on the Revised Agenda with an update from the Fiscal Administrator (Robert "Bob" Neilson).
Also in attendance were Bogalusa's Mayor and his entourage.
Mr. Neilson provided his report but there was little, if any, review or questions regarding the report. Instead, most of the meeting saw criticisms of Mr. Neilson - nothing really new, but all with the goal of replacing Mr. Neilson with a limited Fiscal Administrator.
Click here to view the entire meeting
The video provided below is that portion of the meeting relating to the City of Bogalusa.
District Attorney Sims Announces Triple Jury Convictions Against Violent Offenders and Career Criminals
District Attorney Collin Sims announces a major week of justice for St. Tammany Parish, as three
separate juries returned guilty verdicts against repeat offenders for crimes ranging from a brutal jailhouse battery to a near-execution during a vehicle repossession and armed narcotics possession.
“This week’s verdicts send a definitive message that my office and the citizens of this parish will not tolerate those who habitually act as if they are above the law,” said DA Sims. “Whether it is violence on our streets, the illegal combination of guns and drugs, or brutal attacks within our correctional facilities, we will hold these individuals accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
I. St. Tammany Jury Finds Slidell Man Guilty of Brutal Jailhouse Battery
On February 24, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found Farman Robert Gillum, 44, of Slidell, guilty as charged of Second Degree Battery following a trial presided over by the Honorable Judge Alan M. Black. Assistant District Attorneys Luke Lancaster and Shelby Stoop prosecuted the case. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
The conviction stems from a coordinated August 16, 2022, attack within the St. Tammany Parish Jail. Surveillance footage showed Gillum and two co-defendants (who previously pleaded guilty) repeatedly striking an inmate. The victim suffered a broken nose, facial lacerations, and multiple instances of losing consciousness.
During ADA Lancaster’s closing remarks, he stated, “This is a violent man who committed a violent act because he thinks our laws do not apply within the prison system. I’m asking you to hold him accountable for this brutal attack.”
Gillum’s record spans over two decades, with convictions for drug charges and battery of a police officer. Sentencing is scheduled in Judge Black’s courtroom on March 17, 2026.
II. Slidell Felon Convicted Following Violent Armed Confrontation Over Vehicle Repossession
On February 25, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found Cordell Parker, 57, of Slidell, guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Attempted Illegal Use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities during a Crime of Violence by Discharge. The trial was presided over by the Honorable Judge Scott Gardner and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Gary Tromblay and Jay Adair. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
On January 31, 2025, an agent for Spartan Recovery was repossessing a 2017 Mercedes-Benz on C L Parker Road in Slidell. After the vehicle was hooked to the wrecker, Parker approached the agent, angry, and asked him if he could retrieve personal belongings. While the agent complied, Parker emerged from his home with a semi-automatic handgun. He pointed the handgun at the agent and forced the agent to disconnect the car. He then placed the barrel of the pistol against the agent’s forehead, ordered him to his knees, and threatened to kill him. As the victim fled, Parker fired a gunshot. The U.S. Marshals Service later apprehended Parker on February 25, 2025.
During ADA Tromblay’s opening statement, he detailed the terrifying nature of the assault, saying, “[Parker] went from angry to murderous hostility. The victim was scared to death. He thought he was going to execute him in the street over a car. He never should have had a gun. There are reasons that people like Mr. Parker shouldn’t have guns.”
The victim, D.B., stated in an emotional testimony: “He put the gun to my forehead…he told me he was going to kill me. He told me to get down on my knees and put my hands behind my back. To this day, I still have nightmares, almost daily.”
ADA Adair, in his closing argument, challenged the defendant’s credibility, stating, “D.B. has nothing to gain, and the Defendant has nothing to lose. One of them thumbed his nose at the oath, the court, and you all – you all get to decide which one did.”
ADA Tromblay, in his closing rebuttal, referred to the defendant’s story as “a bald-faced lie,” and added, “He will never forget what this defendant’s face [looks like] – nor will he ever forget what this defendant did to him. Hold this defendant accountable.”
Parker’s record spans four decades, including convictions for felony theft, burglary, drugs, and gun charges. Sentencing is set in Judge Gardner’s courtroom on March 18, 2026.
III. Convicted Cocaine Distributor Found Guilty of Armed Narcotics Possession
On February 25, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found Bobby Strickland Jr., 60, of Slidell, guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies and Illegal Carrying of Weapons while in Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. The trial was presided over by the Honorable Judge Alan A. Zaunbrecher and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Amanda Gritten and Le’Anne Malner. The Slidell Police Department investigated the case.
Strickland was arrested on March 13, 2025, during a traffic stop on Carroll Road in Slidell. Upon identifying the driver as Strickland, officers learned of his extensive history involving narcotics and his release from parole for the distribution of drugs. After obtaining consent to search the vehicle, officers discovered a cache of illegal items, including Crack Cocaine, Marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a Colt .38 Special revolver in his vehicle.
ADA Gritten, in her closing argument, stated: “It is unacceptable behavior to ride around our parish with drugs and a gun after being released from incarceration for distributing cocaine. Find him guilty as charged.”
Strickland is a habitual offender with a record spanning several decades, including convictions for multiple drug charges, for which he previously received a 25-year sentence. Sentencing is set in Judge Zaunbrecher’s courtroom on March 9, 2026.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for February 25, 2026
Billy Gay (age 47 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Walter Strahan (age 59 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft of 1000-5000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Mickel Burrell (age 20 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of 2nd Degree Rape/Vaginal by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Rachel Strahan (age 49 with no address shown) was booked on the charge of Theft of 1000-5000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Odie Hughes (age 46 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft of $25000 or More by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Tyja Brown (age 22 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment by the Washington Parish Sheriffs Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Tickfaw Man Arrested by AG Murrill's LBI
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation agents has arrested 35-year-old Douglas Ray Miller of Tickfaw for 67 counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material under the age of 13. Miller was arrested at his home on Hwy 1064 in Tickfaw on February 25, 2026 and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. His bond information is not available at this time.
LBI agents initially got a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This arrest was a result of a joint investigation with The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) Cyber Crime Unit, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation continues.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
City of Bogalusa on Legislative Audit Advisory Council Agenda Today
The Legislative Audit Advisory Council meets today (February 26, 2025) at 10:00 AM. The City of Bogalusa is on the Revised Agenda with an update from the Fiscal Administrator (Robert "Bob" Neilson).
The meeting will be streamed live at https://senate.la.gov/video/scrF#
If you are unable to watch, we will have the video later.
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, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Calm wind.
Saturday Sunny, with a high near 79. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Calm wind.
February 25, 2026
Slidell Man arrested by AG Murrill's LBI on Sex-Related Charges
AG Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation agents arrested 21-year-old Colin Scott Sehmi of Slidell for the offenses of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile - 2 counts, Indecent Behavior with Juvenile/Grooming of a Child - 2 counts, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor - 2 counts , and (Possession of) Child Sexual Abuse Material under the Age of Thirteen - 4 counts. Sehmi was arrested on February 20, 2026 at his home on Royal Drive in Slidell. He was released on February 24, 2026 on a $30,000.00 bond.
Agents initially got a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This arrest was a result of a joint investigation with The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) Cyber Crime Unit, the 22nd JDC SVU Task Force, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Covington Police Department.
“Cases such as these, with potential victims local to St. Tammany and throughout the United States, are a prime example of why the collaboration of law enforcement through the Louisiana ICAC Task Force is vital. The Louisiana ICAC Task Force and its partners will do everything in our power to bring this man to justice and identify any potential victims of his crimes," said Attorney General Liz Murrill.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending. It is expected that additional victims will be identified as a result of the ongoing investigation.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Playing With Gun Leads to Death of 14-Year-Old in Hammond
The Hammond Police Department reports that at approximately 11:50 pm on February 24, 2026, HPD responded to a call of shots fired with one possible victim. Arriving on the scene, officers observed a 14-year-old juvenile female with an apparent gunshot wound. The juvenile was transported to North Oaks Health System, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives identified a suspect in the shooting as 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond.
During the investigation, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and pulled the vehicle over. The driver was Robinson. Robinson was taken into custody and transported to the HPD Criminal Investigation Division for questioning. Detectives learned that, while Robinson was playing with a gun, the gun went off, with the bullet striking the female juvenile. Robinson was booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or morse_cm@hammond.org, via the Hammond Police Department’s Facebook page, or through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous tip line at 1-800-554-5245. Be a part of the solution and you may be eligible for a cash reward.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
STPSO Pursuit of Stolen Vehicle Ends in Arrest
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office reports that a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle that began in St. Tammany Parish and crossed into neighboring parishes ended Tuesday (February 24, 2026) afternoon with the arrest of the driver, identified as 41-year-old Tiffany Howard of Ventress. Howard was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Flight From Officer, Aggravated Assault With a Motor Vehicle Upon a Peace Officer, False Imprisonment, Illegal Possession of Stolen Things 5000-25000, Simple Obstruction of a Highway of Commerce, Aggravated Criminal Damage, and First Degree Murder. No bond has been set at this time.
Shortly before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, a St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy was in the area of Louisiana Highway 59 and Interstate 12 when he observed a white Ford Fiesta that had been reported stolen out of St. Tammany Parish earlier this week. When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver fled westbound on Interstate 12, initiating a pursuit.
During the pursuit, the suspect struck multiple law enforcement units while attempting to evade capture. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies, along with Louisiana State Police troopers, coordinated efforts to safely bring the pursuit to an end in Livingston Parish near the Holden exit. The vehicle ultimately wrecked, and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. No serious injuries were reported.
“This suspect showed a blatant disregard for the safety of our deputies, our law enforcement partners and everyone traveling on the roadway,” said Sheriff Randy Smith. “Thanks to the professionalism, restraint and teamwork between agencies, this dangerous situation was brought to a safe conclusion, and the individual responsible is now in custody.”
The investigation is ongoing.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for February 24, 2026
Jonathon Jordan (age 38 with Astor, Fl. address) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the
Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $15000.00
Marylin Shoemaker (age 67 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Cruelty to Juveniles by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Devin Lewis (age 29 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on charge(s) not shown by arresting agency not shown. No bond set at this time.
Albert Shoemaker (age 42 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Sexual Battery (Rubbing/Touching), 2nd Degree Rape (Vaginal), Indecent Behavior With Juvenile (2 counts), and Aggravated Crime Against Nature (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Arrest Made in Dog-Fighting Case
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) reports they have arrested one suspect and is seeking information about others in connection with a dog-fighting operation. Alfred Dyson, age 64, was booked on one count each of Dog Fighting and Cruelty to Animals.
Just before 8 p.m. on Saturday (February 21, 2026), the TPSO received a tip about a dog-fighting event underway on the property of the Old Country Dollar Store on Highway 10 near Anderson Road in the Roseland area. When deputies arrived, more than a dozen individuals scattered from a shop-type building, leaving behind a puppy in concerning condition and various signs of a dog fighting operation, including a boxing-type ring, a scale, and a program booklet featuring various dogs as contestants.
Dyson, confirmed as the owner of the property, was on scene and was taken into custody. Several vehicles abandoned by the crowd were also seized and are being processed to determine ownership. Tangipahoa Parish Animal Services took in two dogs for medical evaluation and treatment.
This is an ongoing investigation with more arrests expected. Detectives are asking for information about anyone involved with Saturday’s incident, or any prior similar activities at that location, as well as any information about where the dogs involved in this incident may have come from, to contact our Criminal Investigations Office at 985-902-2088. If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! Tips submitted directly through Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.
***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 Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight Increasing clouds, with a low around 60. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
Thursday Night A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight.
Friday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Calm wind.
February 24, 2026
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for February 22-23, 2026
Hardy Thomas (age 41 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Violence Battery (2nd Offense) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Angel Mingo (age 21 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Home Invasion/Intimidation, Criminal Damage (2 counts), Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness, Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery, and Cruelty to a Juvenile(s) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Charles Lewis (age 61 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.
Kelsey Varnado (age 20 with no address shown) was booked on the charges of Principal to Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, Contributing to Delinquency of Juvenile, and Aggravated Battery by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Jeremy Blow (age 46 with Ponchatoula, La. address) was booked on charges not listed and by Arrest Agency not listed. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Sunny, with a high near 62. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 74. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 10 mph.
Thursday A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. South wind 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday Night A 80 percent chance of showers. Low around 57. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.
February 23, 2026
Inmate Found Deceased at Slidell City Jail
The Slidell Police Department reports that early Sunday (February 22, 2026) morning, an inmate at the Slidell City Jail was found unresponsive inside his jail cell.
The individual has been identified as 65-year-old Douglas Koch. Preliminary information indicates that Mr. Koch appeared to have suffered a medical emergency in his sleep. He had been arrested approximately two days prior for second offense D.W.I. and was housed alone in his cell at the time of his death. At this time, foul play is not suspected.
As is standard procedure with any in-custody death, the Slidell Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is conducting a full investigation. Based on current information, all indications suggest Mr. Koch died of natural causes.
An autopsy will be performed by the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office, which will officially determine and classify the cause and manner of death.
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 54. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight Widespread frost after 5am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 27. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 61. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. South wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 74. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind around 10 mph.
February 22, 2026
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for February 19-21, 2026
Joryiel Cyprian (age 18 with Tangipahoa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Obstruction of
Justice/Evidence Tampering and Illegal Carrying and Discharge of Weapon by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $30000.00.
Robert Westmoreland (age 35 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Probation Violation and Contempt of the Court by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.
Jasmin Pacheco (age 37 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts), Contempt of Court, and Bond Surrender (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $20000.00.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Sunny, with a high near 56. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph.
Tonight Clear, with a low around 32. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Sunny, with a high near 52. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Monday Night Widespread frost after 4am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 26. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 61. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. South wind around 5 mph.
February 21, 2026
Fire weather Warning for Washington Parish
Critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 80. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight A 20 percent chance of showers before 7pm. Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 40. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday Sunny, with a high near 56. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 33. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Sunny, with a high near 53. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Monday Night Clear, with a low around 26. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
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