July 31, 2019

Walthall County Sheriff's Office Seeking Burglary Suspect

The Walthall County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating and apprehending Terry T. Harrell. Harrell is a black male, 6'3" 174 lbs. and is driving a 2015 black Dodge Challenger with MS tag number 55CN.

Harrell, along with another black male, reportedly burglarized two residences on Dinan Salem Rd. in Walthall County, MS on July 25, 2019.

Anyone with information on Harrell or the other male is encouraged to call the Sheriff's Office at 601-876-3481 or Crime Stoppers at 601-467-1878. If anyone purchased stolen items from the two, they are asked to return the items to the Sheriff's Office, so they can be returned to the rightful owners.

Washington Parish Receives $250,00 From WPEC/Calpine

Washington Parish Energy Center One, LLC (WPEC) and Calpine Corporation, owners of a power station on property located at 18400 Bennett Road in Ward 4 of Washington Parish, recently contracted with Entergy Louisiana, LLC for the demolition of the existing power plant, transfer of property and construction of a new natural-gas fired power plant.
Pictured: Parish President Richard N. Thomas, Jr., 
Assessor James "Jimbo" Stevenson, Sheriff Randy "Country " Seal

The power plant originally constructed by WPEC/Calpine was never placed into commercial operation due to economic conditions and is now obsolete. Acknowledging that the new project may qualify for ad valorem tax exemption, WPEC/Calpine desiring to mitigate the financial impact an Industrial Tax Exemption would have on Washington Parish, has agreed to pay the sum of $250,000 each calendar year during construction and $1,000,000 when the project is complete, and the property transferred to Entergy Louisiana.

This payment will be distributed by the Washington Parish Sheriff, Ex-officio Tax Collector, to each taxing agency with a millage levied within the assessed area WPEC is located, based on their allowed millage and taxable assessed property values.

Obituary

Shanda Lynette Kennedy
August 29, 1967 - July 23, 2019

WPSO Makes Arrest in $580,000 Fraud Case

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that detectives worked a complicated financial fraud
case in which more than $580,000 was stolen from several victims by Terry W. Grant, II (28), a resident of Sisters Road in Ponchatoula.

WPSO reports that Grant devised an elaborate scheme whereby he opened numerous bank accounts using the names of other persons, and then used those accounts to obtain lines of credit which gave him access to even more funds. This multi-faceted case required the detective division to team with the Sheriff’s Office Sales Tax Accounting division to unravel the intricacies of the case and determine specific monetary losses.

Grant was arrested and placed on the Washington Parish Jail on July 30, 2019. He remains in jail with no bond set at this time on a charge of theft. In addition to local charges, Grant is being investigated by the United States Postal Service for other financial crimes which may have occurred outside of Washington Parish.

Grant is no stranger to allegations of fraud. He was arrested by the Bogalusa Police Department in 2009 for fraud and released after posting bond.

“Some cases are complicated,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal, “and this is one of them. I congratulate Detective Corbet Hunt and our Sales Tax Supervisor, Jamie Butts, for their hard work in solving this complex crime. There is a lesson in this crime for each person; namely, guard your personal identity and financial information very carefully. In this electronic age, you never know who is snooping around.”

Joshua Luke Crosby's Story

On June 16, 2011, Joshua Luke Crosby was born. He seemed perfect and healthy. Luke was initially
diagnosed, as a baby, with a minor heart condition, which was manageable, but otherwise, Luke was the perfectly normal little boy, and progressed through his toddler years with minimal health issues. In the Summer of 2017, at the age of 6, Luke’s life would change permanently. Luke began to have bad headaches, and was lethargic a lot. His personality began to change rapidly, as the headaches got worse. Several visits to the Emergency Room, with diagnoses ranging all over the place, left Luke eventually screaming with the headaches, and vomiting, until he would pass out. Eventually Luke was diagnosed with Encephalitis, and it was determined that he had a large mass of inflammation in his brain. To make matters worse, he suffered with Intracranial Hypertension (Increased Pressure in the Brain) because his cerebral spinal fluid wasn’t draining properly. The team of doctors diagnosed him with IH, and shortly afterward, a shunt was surgically placed in Luke’s head, to assist in the drainage of cerebral spinal fluid from the brain, into the abdominal cavity.

Just when you think things are getting better; in January, 2019, 18 months after his initial attack, Luke began to show different symptoms. He began to lean to the left, and tilt his head to the left when he walked. Luke’s vision was blurry, and his motor skills were rapidly declining. His school teacher reported a decline in his handwriting. Luke was taken back to the hospital, to once again undergo a battery of tests, and to eventually be diagnosed with more inflammation on his brain, only this time in a different area of the brain. (A more dangerous area than before). The neurologists were confident that the shunt was working properly, so more tests were done. This time Luke was tested for Multiple Sclerosis, and other Demyelinating diseases. In February, 2019, Luke received his diagnosis, as having MOG Antibody Disease, a rare neuro-autoimmune disease, and multi-phasic disseminated encephalomyelitis, that viciously attacks his brain. Our brave little man will now be subjected to lifelong treatments, which include immune suppressing drug infusions, IVIG immune-therapy and high dose steroids. These treatments will be in a desperate attempt to prevent another relapse or episode of inflammation in Luke’s brain. We have located a leading specialist in Luke’s rare neuro-autoimmune disease, who has agreed to treat him with state of the art treatments, and with vast knowledge of this type of disease, at his specialized clinic in Dallas Texas. In order for Luke to get the appropriate treatments, he needs to see this specialist in Dallas.

The road ahead is long, but Luke has his faith, and loves Jesus and praises Him daily. Luke is a brave little soldier, and willingly undergoes whatever needs to be done, in an effort to have a normal life. Joshua Luke Crosby is our little hero !

The Bogalusa Police Department sponsored a raffle for Luke and the drawing was held at 10:00 AM on July 31, 2019. Luke was present and drew the names of the winners. The raffle raised $2811.00 and Chief Bullen presented a check to the family.

If anyone wants to make a donation to Luke's Medical Fund, they can contact Captain David Miller at 985.570.4202 of mail donations to Capt. David Miller, c/o Luke Crosby, 214 Arkansas Avenue, Bogalusa, La.  70427


Washington Parish Jail Bookings July 30, 2019

Andrew Johnson was booked In From Court
Terry Grant was booked on the charge of Theft 25,000 or More
Kevin Robertson was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs and Possession of Schedule II Drugs
Omunnakwe Jackson was booked on the charges of Improper Turn/Accident and Possession of Schedule II Drugs
La Johnson was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs and Possession of Schedule II Drugs
Vernon Hoffman was booked on the charge of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs
Marcus Tillman was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Failure to Pay Fine
Robert Grady was booked on the charges of Distribution of Schedule 1 CDS, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Requirements, and Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order

Today in History for July 31st

AP Top Stories July 31, 2019 AM

July 30, 2019

Slidell Man Arrested on Numerous Child Sex Charges

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry's office announced today (July 30, 2019) that Michael Reynolds (55) of Slidell was arrested on 51 counts of possessing pornography involving juveniles under the age of 13, 20 counts of producing pornography involving juveniles under the age of 13, 2 counts of first degree rape of a juvenile under the age of 13, five counts of molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13, and one count of oral sexual battery of a juvenile under the age of 13.

The arrest was a result of a joint investigation with the LBI, HSI, Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services, Slidell Police Department, and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Reynolds took in foster children and other people in need over many years. More unidentified victims are believed to exist; some abused as children would now be in their 20’s. General Landry encourages anyone with information regarding Reynolds to contact the LBI toll-free at 1-800-256-4506. Callers may remain anonymous.

“As a father, I do anything to protect my child; and as Attorney General, I do all I legally can to protect all Louisiana children,” said General Landry. “Our Cyber Crime Unit and our law enforcement partners share that commitment and work tirelessly to get child predators out of our communities.”

Bogalusa Man Jailed After Bank Fraud Complaint

Rashard Lonzell Bickham (40), a resident of Oakwood Drive in Bogalusa, is in the Washington
Parish Jail charged with theft, failure to appear in court, failure to pay a court ordered fine and being a fugitive from Lafayette Parish. His bond is set at $23,828.

Bickham’s arrest on July 26, 2019 is the result of an investigation conducted by Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives of a bank fraud complaint from a business on Highway 10 east of Bogalusa. The bank fraud resulted in a loss to the business of more than $13,000 and was discovered when the business conducted a review of their banking records.

Bickham has two previous stays in the Washington Parish Jail. In 2007, he was jailed for drug offenses, traffic offenses, resisting an officer by flight on foot and a probation and parole hold. In May 2019 he was in jail again, charged with failure to appear in court and being a fugitive from another jurisdiction.

“No one is immune from a thief,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. Individuals and businesses alike should always keep a close watch on their banking records for any fraud that might occur. If you discover a fraudulent entry in your bank records, contact your bank immediately and notify the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office detective division at (985) 839-3434.

“A Back to School Message” from Sheriff Randy Seal

Back to school time is an important event for our entire parish. Students are back in class. Teachers
are implementing new lesson plans for the school year. Administrators are working with budgets, school bus routes, staffing and school safety concerns. Parents are coordinating work and school schedules, car pools and support for their student’s activities and studies. Businesses are equipping families, teachers and administrators with the supplies they need for a successful school year. Back to school is a busy time for us all.

During this busy time, please be extra cautious in traffic. Be mindful of our school traffic zones especially during the morning hours and early afternoons. Keep an extra look out for potential hazards around our schools and in neighborhoods where children play. Slow down and increase your stopping distances.

School buses are back on the road. Be aware of school bus routes in your neighborhood and throughout your daily travel. Leave plenty of time and space for buses. With school traffic, anticipate delays in your travel and leave early so you’re not in a rush. And, when approaching a school zone or school bus on the road, be prepared to stop for bus and pedestrian traffic. Never, ever, pass a stopped school bus displaying flashers and other signals.

I want to thank all who help make our education system an integral, positive force in Washington Parish. Our children are counting on us – let’s work together to make “back to school” a rewarding, fun, and safe time for all Washington Parish residents.

Randy “Country” Seal
Sheriff

Franklinton Worker Is District Attorney’s Employee Of the Year

District Attorney Warren Montgomery is pleased to announce that Anna Moses has been selected as
Employee of the Year for her consistent hard work and dedication to the District Attorney’s Office and the 22nd Judicial District (Washington and St. Tammany Parishes).

For the past 12 years, Anna has worked as the Data Entry and Elderly Affairs Secretary for the Washington Parish Office in Franklinton. When people call or visit the Washington Parish Office, the voice or smiling face that often greets them is that of Ms. Moses. She patiently answers questions, provides information and directions.

Her wide range of responsibilities include accepting case files from arresting agencies and transferring that information into the office’s computer system. She provides invaluable services to the Assistant District Attorneys by supporting the victims of elderly abuse cases, as well as providing dates and other needed information to men and women serving on the grand jury, and much more.

“She is the ultimate team player,” Montgomery said. “She is always helpful and ready to assist wherever she is needed. She epitomizes Dale Carnegie’s first rule of success: never criticize, condemn, or complain.”

Obituary

Johnie James Whitten
July 03, 1948 - July 24, 2019

Obituary

John Fitzgerald Roberts
December 05, 1964 - July 24, 2019

Weather Disturbances in the Atlantic

Nothing to worry about (yet) but worth keeping an eye on! We'll keep you advised. Click image for a clearer picture.

Why 4-H?


Council on Aging Activities for August


Washington Parish Jail Bookings July 29, 2019

Monchea McCant was booked In From Court
Lloyd Lewis was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Distribution of Schedule 1 Drugs (2 counts), Distribution of Schedule II Drugs, Drug Free Zone Violation of Uniform CDS (2 counts), and Failure to Appear
Renita Boyd was booked In From Court
Gerald Boyd was booked In From Court
Mitchell Johnson was booked on the charge of Parole Violation
Stephon Greely was booked on the charge of Parole Violation

Today in History for July 30th

AP Top Stories July 30, 2019 AM

July 29, 2019

Recent Bogalusa Shootings Sparks Special Operation

In response to the recent increase in shootings in the city, the Bogalusa Police Department conducted
a Criminal Patrol Operation on Friday and Saturday, July 26th and 27th.

BPD thanks the following agencies for their assistance in the operation: Louisiana State Police, Washington Parish Sheriff's Office, Franklinton Police Department, Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole, Mandeville Police Department, Covington Police Department, and Varnado Police Department.

Two night totals show that there were over 115 citizen contacts, 20 arrests for a variety of crimes, including narcotics and firearms violations, and 7 firearms seized. Our goal is to put an end to the senseless violence that has recently plagued out community, and we feel the operation was an overall success.

Obituary

Avis O. Hope
November 10, 1934 - July 27, 2019

Obituary

Noah William McGehee
May 02, 2002 - July 26, 2019

Washington Parish Jail Bookings July 28, 2019

Jeffrey Miley was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated (2nd Offense), Obstructing Public Passages, No Seat Belt, Child Restraint Violation (1st Offense), Distribution of Schedule III CDS, Switched License Plates, No Proof of Insurance, Driving With Suspended License Due to Previous DWI or Other, Contempt of Court (2 counts), and Failure to Appear
Brian Brumfield was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, Resisting Arrest by Providing False Booking Information, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Contempt of Court (5 counts)
Martin Winder was booked on the charges of Terrorizing and Protective Order Violation
Mason Edwards was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II Drugs
Connor Sullivan was booked on the charges of Simple Robbery and Attachment
Shawna Cassidy was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Attempted Theft by Shoplifting
Christopher Harris was booked on the charges of Possession of CDS with Weapon Present, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, and Ran Stop Sign
Ladarrius Cotton was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs and Possession of Heroin
Christopher Verzwyvelt was booked on the charges of Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, Possession of Heroin, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (3 counts)
Stephanie Doss was booked on the charges of Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, Possession of Marijuana (2nd Offense), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (4 counts)
Justin Branch was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court

Today in History for July 29th

AP Top Stories July 29, 2019 AM

July 28, 2019

Washington Parish Jail Bookings July 27, 2019

Brain Mingo was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear
Andre Pope was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (6 counts)
Morgan Cox was booked on the charge of Protective Order Violation
Tregg Scott was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts)
Denisha Levi was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court
Allison Burns was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Introduction of Contraband into Penal Institute
Richard Creel was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II Drugs
Typolia Peters, Jr. was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Heroin, Resisting an Officer, and Possession of CDS with Weapon Present
Michael McHugh was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated (2nd Offense) and Careless Operation
Jarvis Vaughn was booked on the charges of Simple Battery With Injury and Second Degree Battery

Today in History for July 28th

July 27, 2019

UPDATE: Missing Runaway Juvenile Located


Man Wanted for Bigamy Sought by STPSO

Click the image for a clearer picture.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings July 26, 2019

Todd Frisbie was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Schedule II Drugs
Brett Moore was booked on the charges of Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of CDS with Weapon Present, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Matthew Revere was booked on the charges of Possession of Heroin, Possession of Schedule III Drugs, and Obstruction of Justice
Rashard Bickham was booked on the charges of Theft 5000-25000, Failure to Appear, Failure to Pay Fine, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction
Brain Hogan was booked on the charges of Resisting a Police Officer with Force or Violence (2 counts), Resisting an Officer/Flight on Foot, and Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm
Lisa Davis-Jefferson was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear

Today in History for July 27th

July 26, 2019

Driver Killed in Single Vehicle Crash on LA 21

Today (July 26, 2019) at 4:45 AM, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a
single vehicle fatal crash on LA 21 near Lavinghouse Rd. in St. Tammany Parish (the Bush community). The crash has claimed the life of 42-year-old Lionel Harris, Jr. of Des Allemands.

The initial investigation led Troopers to determine that Harris was driving a stolen 2014 Ford Fusion northbound on LA 21 at a high rate of speed. Harris failed to negotiate a right-hand curve, causing the vehicle to exit the left side of the roadway. After exiting the roadway, the vehicle crashed into a ditch embankment. Harris sustained fatal injuries in the crash.

The front seat passenger, 44-year-old Tammy R. Cowart of Saucier, MS., sustained moderate injury and was transported to an area hospital. Troopers obtained an arrest warrant on Cowart for Illegal Possession of Stolen Things. She will be booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail pending her release. This crash remains under investigation, and additional charges may be pending.

Slidell Woman Charged With Wire Fraud and Identity Theft

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced yesterday (July 25, 2019) that Rachel E. Lipps (38) of Slidell was charged on Friday, July 19, 2019 in an indictment for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to the indictment, between January 2013 and October 2017, Lipps served as a part-time bookkeeper for a business domiciled in Slidell. She was entrusted with the daily accounting. She fraudulently printed checks made payable to herself and several of her creditors.  The business  terminated Lipps' employment in October 2017. The sum of the checks charged in the indictment is $50,387.88.

If convicted of wire fraud, Lipps faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of not more than $250,000, three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee.  If convicted of aggravated identity theft, Lipps faces a mandatory consecutive sentence of two (2) years, a fine of no more than $250,000, supervised release term up to one (1) year following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee.

Click here to view the Indictment.

United States Attorney Strasser reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Obituary

Elizabeth Darlene Brady Leemans
February 05, 1954 - July 25, 2019

Obituary

Tanda R. Graham
November 27, 1951 - July 25, 2019

Washington Parish Opiod Consortium August Meeting

A Press Release from Paris Sumrall, Program Manager

The August meeting of the Washington Parish Opioid Consortium will be held on 8/8 at 9 A.M. at the Pine First Baptist Church.  We have decided that this central location will be our monthly meeting place.  At the inaugural meeting, we had 63 attendees; we hope to exceed 100 this time.  Please feel free to spread the word and encourage any interested citizens to attend.  A high level of community involvement is requisite to our effort!  As I said at the first meeting, “Everybody knows somebody.”  All families in Washington Parish have been impacted, either directly or indirectly, by this epidemic.  To defeat this scourge, we MUST WORK TOGETHER!

At this meeting, we will begin the process of identifying the most pressing needs of our parish as we move forward.  We will also inform all stakeholders of the steps that the WPOC must take during this grant year to ensure that the grant will be refunded.  We have a huge amount of work to do; we cannot complete it successfully with your help!

Please bring at least one guest with you to this meeting.  Let’s spread the word!

Paris Sumrall | Program Manager
Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana
823 Carroll Street, Suite B | Mandeville, LA 70448
T: 985.516.7647

Washington Parish Jail Bookings July 25, 2019

Ronald Christal was booked on the charges of Manufacture of Schedule II CDS and Simple Burglary
William Touchstone was booked on the charges of Improper Lane Usage, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Contempt of Court
Kevin Nuber was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts)
Lena McElveen was booked In For Court

Today in History for July 26th

AP Top Stories July 26, 2019 AM

July 25, 2019

Inmates Arrested for Washington Parish Jail Fire

Two inmates of the Washington Parish Jail have been re-booked into the facility for setting a fire at the jail that led to the evacuation of dozens of other inmates and staff members, according to a joint statement from Washington Parish Sheriff Seal and the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal.
Levi Lee (18) and Medel Morales-Guzman (32) are each facing one count of Aggravated Arson and one count of Fire-raising in a Correctional Facility. Each was already facing other criminal charges. Lee is awaiting trial for first degree murder, attempted first degree muder, and two counts of armed robbery. Morales-Guzman is awaiting trial for sexual battery.

Just before midnight on July 21, jail staff noticed smoke inside one of the facility’s cell blocks. While area firefighters worked to locate and suppress the source of the smoke, the cell block’s 34 occupants were evacuated. Additional areas were later evacuated as smoke spread. There were almost 175 occupants inside the entire jail facility at the time of the fire.

After an assessment of the scene, investigators were able to narrow down the origin of the fire to the cell block’s air conditioning unit. Through further investigative efforts in collaboration with Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives and jail staff, which included obtaining surveillance video evidence, it was determined the fire inside of the A/C unit was intentionally set by the two inmates, Lee and Morales-Guzman. Both were re-booked into the jail on the new charges on Thursday (July 25, 2019).

“This fire could have been so much worse had it not been for the diligence of the Washington Parish Jail staff, not only to notice the danger, but to act immediately and efficiently to prevent harm by following well-established and well-practiced fire drills and procedures,” said State Fire Marshal Chief Butch Browning, “I commend Sheriff Randy Seal and his staff for making safety a priority in their facility by always staying prepared for emergencies like this.”

Sheriff Randy Seal also commented, saying, “Our wonderful working relationship with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal, our area firefighters, Franklinton Police Department and other agencies pays benefits over and over for the citizens of Washington Parish. I am so grateful for the assistance of all involved and I give a special shout out to our jail staff whose immediate action prevented bodily harm and perhaps even death.

Washington Parish Government Was "Storm Ready"

Washington Parish President Richard Ned Thomas reported to the Parish Council Monday evening (July 22, 2019) on the parish government's response to the threat from Tropical Storm Barry. Sandbags were filled and distributed, Red Cross shelters were opened, the Emergency Operations Center was opened, and all resources were made ready. The severe threats from the storm did not materialize. But the readiness of our parish government to minimize threats to the safety and property of residents was demonstrated.



In other business,
  • Henry Harrison, with the LSU Ag Center, announced his re-retirement and introduced Chiquita Briley who is the Regional Director. Briley announced that changes will be coming. Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson will be assuming the Agriculture Natural Resources duties. The Parish Chair will be named later but Amy Long-Pierre will serve in the interim. 
  • the Council approved a resolution extending Globe Hill Road on the Washington Parish Inventory List 
  • the Council approved a resolution to facilitate the sidewalk construction in downtown Franklinton
  • the Council approved a resolution declaring an extreme emergency in repairing fire damage to the Washington Parish Jail. The incident occurred July 21, 2019 and caused evacuation of 34 inmates to other facilities. Click here to read our story on the fire
  • an ordinance was introduced to accept the low bid on the new landfill cell. A Public Hearing will be held on August 12, 2019.
  • the council heard reports from President Thomas, Finance Director Donna Graham, Public Works Director Ken Wheat, and Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt.

Go our Government Meetings page to view the meeting in its entirety.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings July 24, 2019

Kenneth Trahan was booked on the charges of Theft of Firearm, Possession of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts), Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (6 counts), and Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order
Jorge Mejia was booked on the charges of Aggravated Domestic Abuse Assault and Child Desertion (3 counts)
Corwin Norred was booked on the charge of Parole Violation
Christopher Miley was booked on the charges of Obstruction of Justice and Failure to Appear

Reminder: Magic City Rebirth Festival is August 31st


Today in History for July 25th

AP Top Stories July 25, 2019 AM

July 24, 2019

Two Arrested Following Shooting at Lacombe Residence

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested Dillon Smith (17) and Xavier King (20)

following a shooting that occurred at a residence on Diane Street off Transmitter Road in Lacombe Tuesday afternoon (July 23, 2019).

Occupants at the home told deputies two men showed up at the residence, banging on the front door, demanding money one of the men said he was owed.  The residence was occupied by five juveniles and one adult at the time. When the occupants of the residence would not give the men money, the men kicked open the front door and one fired a gun into the home. A bullet struck one of the juveniles. The men the fled the area in a gold/brown colored sedan.

STPSO deputies located a vehicle matching that description headed eastbound on I-12  and initiated a traffic stop. After questioning, the occupants of the vehicle were arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail. Smith was charged with Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Second-degree Battery, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm (5 counts), and Possession of Marijuana. King was charged with Aggravated Burglary and Possession of Marijuana.

The juvenile who was hit by the bullet was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Missing Runaway 14-Year-Old Sought by STPSO


Washington Parish Animal Shelter Ribbon-Cutting & Tour

Though the official opening of the Washington Parish Animal Shelter won’t be until August 8, 2019
at 10 AM; Washington Parish President Richard N. Thomas, Jr. held a ribbon cutting and a tour of the facility on July 24, 2019. Local elected officials were given an opportunity to tour the facility and meet the new Animal Shelter Manager Kelsey Knight.

Pictured left to right are: Councilman Rusty Fornea, Chris Workman, Parish President Richard N. Thomas, Jr., Sheriff Randy Seal, Representative Malinda White, Clerk of Court Johnny Crain, Penny C. Jones (Senator Mizell’s Office), Councilman Perry Talley, David Anthony and Levi Lewis.

President Thomas stated,” After many hours of reviewing resumes, interviews and testing; Kelsey Knight stood out as the best applicant for the Manager of the Washington Parish Animal Shelter. We look forward to the great things that she will accomplish as manager and the volunteers who will work with her to fulfill the needs of the animal population in Washington Parish”.

Ms. Knight presented and read the Washington Parish Animal Shelter Mission Statement.

"To promote a higher quality of life for our citizens and animals through education, advocacy and services. Saving homeless animals is not our only mission, but to help and protect the health of our community and the health of our wildlife population. New education programs will be offered from the Washington Parish Animal Shelter into our communities and schools promoting heathy practices and providing benefits to our community through low cost spay and neuter programs, vaccinations programs, micro-chip services and other programs. Volunteer programs will be a key factor to the success of such programs and currently there are many people in our community interested in participating at the shelter to promote good training behavior and knowledge on methods to better care for animals as well as procedures on vetting animals properly.”

Kelsey also stated “Before even opening the shelter, we have already succeeded in starting adoption weekends and our first public program will be August 10 at Tractor supply, where we hope the public will have a greater chance of seeing our animals and adopting from the shelter their new best friend. I am also hoping to work with more of our parish businesses for special events (i.e. Picture days, training days, and basic health and safety classes). Our animals are important assets to our community, and we are hoping to educate our parish as to how our animals are beneficial to our community. We hope to offer more services as we grow and expand."

President Thomas would also like to take this opportunity to thank his staff for all the hard work and the tireless hours spent in the planning and building of the Washington Parish Animal Shelter. Once again, the official opening will be August 8, 2019 at 10AM.

Angie Man Arrested for Series of Burglaries

Ryan Jefferson (38), a resident of Jerry Moses Road near Angie, was arrested on July 23rd by
Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives for a series of burglaries which occurred in October and December of 2018. Through evidence collected at the scenes, Jefferson was identified early on as the person who committed the crimes at homes and businesses on Highway 21, Highway 10, and Mitch Road. Each of the crimes was initially investigated by responding Washington Parish patrol deputies who then turned the investigations over to Washington Parish detectives.

Detectives were unable to locate Jefferson because he had left the area and his location was unknown. The search did not lie dormant, however, and Jefferson was eventually arrested. During questioning after his arrest, Jefferson reportedly confessed to the crimes.
Jefferson is charged with ten counts of simple burglary, two counts of business burglary and one count of vehicle theft.

Jefferson was in the Washington Parish Jail previously in late 2010, also for multiple counts of burglary. After two months in jail, he posted a $30,000 bond and was released.

“Our officers never quit,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Time may go by before they are able to put all the pieces together to solve a particular crime, but they keep on working with the goal of putting another criminal in jail. I’m so pleased to be associated with all of our fine officers.”

Fish Dinner Fundraiser for Olander "Smitty" Smith


Obituary

Sharon Ann Harry
January 16, 1953 - July 20, 2019

Gospel Summer Benefit Concert is August 3rd in Franklinton


This advertisement paid for by  the Olander “Smitty” Smith Campaign

Obituary

Donn Bech
July 13, 1945 - July 22, 2019

Washington Parish Jail Bookings July 23, 2019

Frederick Weary was booked In For Court
Cardareus Carter was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary, Resisting an Officer, and Criminal Damage
Gavin Miller was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear
Ronald Torregano was booked on the charge of Sexual Battery
Nikita Mark was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts)
Trevion Harris was booked on the charges of Public Intimidation, Failure to Appear, and Contempt of Court
Jymon Jackson was booked on the charges of Attempted Second Degree Murder (2 counts), Illegal Discharge/Use of Weapon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, and Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property
Billy McBeth was booked on the charge of Parole Violation
Tremel Cotton was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear, Contempt of Court, and Failure to Pay Fine

Today in History for July 24th

AP Top Stories July 24, 2019 AM

Obituary

Otis Andre Johnson
January 13, 1950 - July 18, 2019

July 23, 2019

Live: Robert Mueller Testifies Before Congress

The largest story of Trump's presidency comes to a head with former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's public hearing before the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees.




Fatal Crash on LA 437 in St. Tammany Parish

On Monday July 22, 2019, at 12:50 PM, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L were notified of a fatal crash on LA 437 near Narrow Rd. in St. Tammany Parish. The crash has claimed the life of 56-year-old Edward M. Sharp Jr. of Covington.

The preliminary on-scene investigation led Troopers to determine Sharp was driving a 2000 Toyota RAV4 southbound on LA 437 [Lee Rd.]. For reasons still under investigation, Sharp’s vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway as it entered a left-hand curve near the intersection of Narrow Rd. After exiting the roadway, Sharp’s vehicle traveled through a ditch before crashing head-on into an embankment. Sharp was unrestrained at the time of the crash and sustained fatal injuries.

Obituary

Nathan Wallace Morgan
June 19, 1934 - July 21, 2019

Obituary

Percy Wayne Barnes
June 27, 1958 - July 18, 2019

Husband and Wife Arrested on Rape Charges

A husband and wife, residents of Barringer Road in Lacombe, are in custody charged with sexual offenses against a child under the age of twelve. The arrests are the result of an investigation by Detective Demmie Rice of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the St. Tammany Department of Children and Family Services.

Krystal Ezell (33), who had a previous Washington Parish address on Plymouth Lane near Franklinton, was arrested by the STPSO for the offenses which occurred in Washington Parish, and then brought to the Washington Parish Jail by the WPSO. She was jailed on July 20th, charged with three counts of first degree aggravated rape and contempt of court. Her bond has been set at $500,000.

Keith Allen Ezell, Jr. (38), who had a previous Washington Parish address on Dogwood Valley Road, also was arrested by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and remains in the St. Tammany Parish Jail charged with being a fugitive from Washington Parish and two misdemeanor offenses. When he is cleared in St. Tammany Parish, he will be transferred to the Washington Parish Jail where he will face three charges of first degree aggravated rape. His bond on those charges will be set once he is housed in the Washington Parish Jail.

“I cannot adequately describe my emotions regarding cases such as this,” stated Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal. “As a father and grandfather, I cannot imagine such despicable acts against children. I appreciate Detective Rice once again handling a very sensitive matter and putting the guilty parties in jail.”

NOTE: As per the very sensitive nature of these crimes against a young child, and in an effort to protect the identity of the child, no further information will be released.

Obituary

Paula J. Ryals
January 25, 1932 - July 21, 2019

Obituary

Wilda Jean Bateman
August 29, 1957 - July 21, 2019

Washington Parish Jail Bookings July 21-22, 2019

Joseph Easterling was booked In From Court
Jamaneil Brown was booked on the charge of Criminal Damage to Property Under 500
Joseph Cross was booked on the charges of Sexual Battery and Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s)
Adarrio Berry was booked In For Court
John Gallaspy was booked on the charge of Simple Battery
LaDamion Keys was booked In For Court
Darryl Singleton was booked on the charges of No License Plate, Driving With Suspended License Due to Previous DUI or Other, No Insurance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Schedule II Drugs

Today in History for July 23nd

AP Top Stories July 23, 2019 AM

July 22, 2019

Obituary

Celestine R. Jones
April 16, 1943 - July 10, 2019

Six Injured After Vehicle Drives Into Abita Gas Station

St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs’ deputies were dispatched to an Abita Springs gas station shortly before 9:30 a.m. Friday morning (July 22, 2019, in reference to a vehicle that had driven into the building.
A silver Honda CR-V had driven across the parking lot of the Texaco station at the corner of Highway 59 and Harrison Avenue (Dog Pound Road) and had entered the store through the front glass. It came to a stop several feet fully inside the business, causing extensive damage to the building and injuring six customers.

Five of the customers and the driver of the vehicle were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries. The sixth customer was airlifted to another hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The driver, 72-year-old Abita Springs woman, was cited for L.R.S. 14:39 Negligent Injuring.

Additional Photos of Last Night's Jail Fire

Click here for the initial press release


Today in History for July 22nd

AP Top Stories July 22, 2019 AM

Fire at Washington Parish Jail Forces Partial Evacuation

An electrical fire in the air-conditioning system of one housing unit of the Washington Parish Jail
about midnight (July 21, 2019) forced the partial evacuation of thirty-four inmates to another jail.

Jail staff noticed smoke coming into the housing unit and immediately evacuated the thirty-four inmates housed there to a secure outdoor area. As smoke filled that one housing unit and spread to the hallways, threatening other housing units, the jail staff relocated all female inmates and other males in affected areas out of the jail to an outside fenced in area.

Immediately upon noticing the smoke, the jail staff sent out an alarm to the Franklinton Fire Department which responded along with firefighters from District 8 and District 9. All available Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies and Franklinton Police Department officers responded to provide security for inmates who were moved from inside the jail to the jail yard. Other agencies which responded were Washington Parish Director of Public Works Ken Wheat and his staff, along with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal, and officers from Rayburn Correctional Center. Northshore EMS was on scene but no inmate required medical attention.

Rayburn Correctional Center dispatched a secure transport bus to the jail and the thirty-four inmates from the affected area of the jail were transported to another jail facility until their housing area is cleaned and ready for occupancy. All other inmates whose housing areas were not affected by the smoke were returned to their respective housing units.

Sheriff Randy Seal stated, “Our alert jail staff went into action immediately and removed inmates from harm’s way. Their quick decisive action was a key factor in making certain no inmates were harmed. I am so pleased with the excellent job they did. When I arrived on the scene after midnight, I was somewhat overwhelmed with the response from so many agencies which quickly responded to help out. Our parish firefighters, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies, Franklinton Police officers, Ken Wheat and his staff, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, Northshore EMS paramedics and staff from Rayburn Correctional Center swarmed the jail complex and quickly resolved the problem. I am grateful to each of these agencies and their fine staffs. Washington Parish is blessed to have so many dedicated public servants who are willing to respond to any need that arises.

July 21, 2019

Washington Parish Jail Bookings July 20, 2019

Roy Burnthorn was booked on the charges of Speeding 21-30 Over Limit, Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, and Failure to Appear
Tristian Mizell was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court
Shelton Ard was booked on the charge of Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm
Krystal Ezell was booked on the charges of 1st Degree Rape (3 counts) and Contempt of Court
Darrell Larose was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (3 counts)

Today in History for July 21th

July 20, 2019

Obituary

Barbara Dale Travis Carter
May 15, 1954 - July 19, 2019

Obituary

Ellen Knight
February 25, 1923 - July 19, 2019

Today in History for July 20th

Washington Parish Jail Bookings July 18-19, 2019

Brady Caughlin was booked on the charge of Illegal Use of CDS in Presence of Person Under 17 YOA and Failure to Appear
Luis Guzman-Michel was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear
Phishala Fowler was booked on the charges of Simple Battery and Contempt of Court
April Seal was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction
Jamil Clay was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, Resisting an Officer, Possession of Marijuana, Introduction of Contraband into Penal Institute, Possession of Heroin, and Obstruction of Justice
Twanna Jackson was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts)
Trevon Harris was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana, Resisting an Officer/Flight on Foot, License Plate Improper Display, and Drivers License Not on Person
Carrie Miley was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Obstruction of Justice

July 19, 2019

Father Found Guilty of 1st Degree Murder of 6-Week-Old Son

District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that a St. Tammany Parish jury found Anthony
Dearmas (27) guilty Friday (July 19, 2019) of first-degree murder in the death of his son, 6-week-old Karter Smith. Dearms faces mandatory life in prison with no possibility of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence when he is sentenced August 19th before District Judge Alan Zaunbrecher.

In the early morning of May 10, 2017, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies were called to a mobile home in Slidell, where they found the severely injured child. The baby’s mother testified that she had left the 6-week-old twins and her 3-year-old son home with Dearmas while she went to work. She testified that she was still at work when she received a call from Dearmas, who said that Karter, one of the twins, wasn’t breathing.

The panicked mother then called a relative, who lived with them in the mobile home and who was returning home when he got the telephone call. The relative testified that when he walked in the house, he found Dearmas, sitting on the sofa and staring blankly at the child, who was already turning blue.

The relative called 9-1-1, but when paramedics arrived, Dearmas angrily tried to prevent them from administering medical treatment to Karter. A deputy on the scene ultimately grabbed the car seat the injured child was in from the hands of Dearmas so that paramedics could assist. The infant later died from his injuries.

When questioned by police, Dearmas initially stated that he had gone to take a shower and that Karter’s 3-year-old sibling had picked him up and dropped him twice. But Dearmas changed his story multiple times, ultimately admitting that he became frustrated because he could not soothe the screaming child, and struck him twice, knocking him to the floor.

Defense attorneys argued that Karter’s death was a manslaughter, not first-degree murder because Dearmas did not intend to kill the child. Prosecutors rebutted those claims, presenting autopsy photos that captured the severity of the child’s injuries, which included seven skull fractures. Prosecutors also showed Dearmas’s videotaped statements to police in which he admitted to striking the child, walking away to calm himself, but then returning to strike the crying child again.

“You don’t get to hit a baby, crush the entire right side of his skull and then say, ‘I didn’t intend to kill him,’” Assistant District Attorney Angad Ghai said during his closing argument.

Defense attorneys also argued that Dearmas’s judgment was impaired because of diminished mental capacity. Ghai and Assistant District Attorney Blake Peters, who assisted in the prosecution, presented psychiatrists who testified that they found Dearmas was mentally competent enough at the time of the crime to understand right from wrong.

The jury deliberated about 1½ hours before voting 11 to 1 in favor of the first-degree murder conviction, rejecting Dearmas’s claim that he was not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity.

Obituary

Kenneth Kennedy
June 23, 1927 - July 16, 2019

Obituary

Columbus Donel Tullos
April 4, 1941 - July 17, 2019

Obituary

Herbert Keaton Bush
July 01, 1946 - July 16, 2019

Today in History for July 19th

July 18, 2019

Bogalusa Man Pleads Guilty To Meth Charges in Federal Court

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that Aaron Johnson (42) of Bogalusa plead guilty
Wednesday (July 17, 2019) to one  count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine and more than five hundred grams of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for October 22, 2019.

According to court documents, Johnson flew to California, where he obtained methamphetamine that he then mailed back to Louisiana. Johnson then returned to Louisiana to receive over a kilogram of high-purity methamphetamine, which law enforcement agents found in his house and vehicle.

The government filed a bill of information charging Johnson with a prior felony drug offense. As a result, Johnson faces a term of imprisonment of at least fifteen years and up to life, to be followed by at least ten years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.

Click here for the Factual Basis on file and that contains further details.

Click here for a previous story of the arrest.

Franklinton Man Dies in Boating Incident

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issued a press release today (July 18, 2019) that
enforcement agents are investigating a fatal boating incident in Iberville Parish that occurred on July 12, 2019.

The body of Bud T. Henley (52) of Franklinton was recovered from the Grand River shortly after being involved in a head-on collision with another vessel around 7 a.m. on July 12, 2019.

Henley was the operator of a 17-foot vessel when he collided with another 17-foot vessel.  Henley was ejected from the vessel into the water where he was found deceased.  Both Henley’s passenger and the other operator sustained injuries and were taken to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge.

LDWF will be the lead investigative agency for this fatal boating incident.  It is unknown at this time what caused the vessels to collide.  Henley's body was turned over to the Iberville Parish Coroner's Office to determine an official cause of death.  Henley was found without wearing a personal flotation device.

Click here for the obituary of Bud T. Henley

BOLO - Help STPSO Identify These Suspects

Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office are asking for the public’s help in identifying the individuals in these photos. They entered a Lacombe-area business together on July 9 and while the male subject distracted the cashier, the female subject walked out with more than $200 worth of merchandise from the store without paying. If you have information about this crime or know the identity of these individuals, please contact Detective Long at (985) 276-1333 or (985) 898-2338.

Driver Killed in I-12 Crash in St. Tammany Parish

At approximately 10:00 am on July 17, 2019, Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a
fatal crash on I-12 eastbound east of LA Hwy 59 in St. Tammany Parish. The crash took the life of 39-year-old Gary T. Mercer Jr. of Brusly.

The initial investigation revealed that Mercer's vehicle ran off the roadway onto the grassy shoulder and struck an unoccupied John Deere tractor that was parked near the tree line.

Despite the fact that he was properly restrained, Mercer suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash.

Obituary

Debra Magee Berry
October 01, 1961 - July 15, 2019

Obituary

Ina Claire Anthaume Seal
February 24, 1932 - July 17, 2019

Reminder: Partner With Franklinton's Rotary & Chamber to Provide School Supplies

Please drop off donations by Friday, July 31st to the Franklinton Chamber of Commerce (211 Eleventh Avenue) or any Rotary Club member. They are asking for generic backpacks, Elmers glue, 24 count crayons, wide rule composition books, loose paper, Kleenex, paper towels, zipoc bags, #2 pencils, color boxes, and pencil tip erasers.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings July 16-17, 2019

Dale Williams was booked on the charges of Probation Violation and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction
Robert Oliver was booked on the charge of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness
Sarah Kubricht was booked on the charges of Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Gary Davis was booked on the charges of Driving Under Suspension, Resisting an Officer, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction (2 counts)
Jimmy Adams was booked on the charges of Aggravated Rape and Sexual Battery
Cheryl Meaux was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000
Charles Martin was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Domestic Violence, Resisting an Officer/Flight on Foot, Resisting an Officer with Force or Violence, and Domestic Abuse Battery
Roosevelt Brumfield was booked on the charges of Criminal Damage to Property Under 500 and Failure to Appear

Bogalusa Strong Meeting to Feature Census Presentation

Bogalusa Strong for their monthly meeting Tuesday (July 23, 2019) from  12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the Bogalusa Country Club. The meeting will feature a presentation entitled “Census 2020: Why Is It Important to Bogalusa?” by Qiana W. Wiggins, Partnership Specialist with the United States Census Bureau. Learn more about how Bogalusa and the surrounding communities can benefit from the census and how to support these efforts.


The lunch menu includes Artichoke Chicken with Lemon Caper Wine Sauce over Wheat Pasta or Baked Chicken, Salad Bar, Summer Vegetable Gratin, and Roasted Brussel Sprouts for $10.00-Debit and credit cards now accepted.

The Bogalusa Rotary Club hosts the Bogalusa Strong monthly Meetings.

What is Bogalusa Strong? Bogalusa Strong is a collaboration of community members, leaders, businesses and organizations working together to improve quality of life by promoting physical, social, and environmental health. Supported by Mayor Wendy Perrette, the Mayor’s Wellness Council, Our Lady of Angels Hospital, LSU AgCenter, and the Louisiana Department of Health Well-Ahead Louisiana, Bogalusa Strong works to empower a vision for a healthier community. Bogalusa Strong meets the 4th Tuesday of each month at 12:00 p.m. at the Bogalusa Country Club.