October 31, 2019

Obituary

Beatrice "Bea" Barber Athey
August 20, 1939 - October 30, 2019

Obituary

Mona Matherne Boquet
December 3, 1924 - October 29, 2019

WPSO: Two Arrested for Series of Vehicle Burglaries

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Detective Division arrested two men on Wednesday (October
30, 2019) charging each with five counts of burglary of a vehicle and four counts of criminal trespass. Both Richard Earl Creel, Jr. (19), a resident of Highway 60 and Michael D. Sawin (31), a resident of Highway 424, remain in the jail on those charges. Additionally, Creel is charged with failure to appear in court. His bond is set at $25,000. Sawin’s bond is $15,000.

The arrests came after an investigation into a series of vehicle burglaries which occurred west of Bogalusa. While reviewing security camera footage of the suspects, Detectives Kody Glenn and Damon Mitchell were able to identify Creel and Sawin as well as the vehicle they were using for transportation. The Bogalusa Police Department assisted Sheriff’s Office detectives in solving the crimes.

This is an ongoing investigation and it is possible more arrests may be made.

This is Sawin’s first stay in the Washington Parish Jail. Creel was arrested in July this year on a charge of possession of illegal drugs. After staying in the jail for three days, he was released after posting a $3,500 bond.

Sheriff Randy Seal commented, stating, “Thieves are a thorn in the side of every honest citizen. They are too lazy to work and are always wanting what someone else has worked for. I remind all citizens to lock their vehicles at all times they are not in use.”

Tailgate for a Healthier Washington Parish is Saturday

The Tailgate for a Healthier Washington Parish event is this Saturday (November 2, 2019) from 10
AM to 6 PM in the front parking lot of Riverside Medical Center in Franklinton. The event will include craft vendors, a jambalaya contest, bands, and a kids zone and promises to be fun for the whole family.

The event is sponsored by Riverside Medical Center Foundation along with Franklinton Chamber of Commerce and all vendor proceeds go to Riverside Foundation.

Sheriff Randy Seal Announces Senior Luncheons

Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal has announced their Annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Luncheons. These are for senior adults only.

The luncheon on the east side of Washington Parish will be Tuesday, November 19, 2019 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at American Legion located 63349 Highway 10 in Bogalusa.

The luncheon on the west side of Washington Parish will be Thursday, November 21, 2019 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Lasting Impressions Event Center located at 1004 Bene street in Franklinton.

Obituary

Barbara Luquette
May 22, 1933 - October 30, 2019

Washington Parish Bookings October 30, 2019

Jennifer Hosey was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (4 counts)
Joshua Ponseti was booked In For Court
Steven Cotton was booked on the charge of Failure to Pay Fine
Richard Creel was booked on the charges of Criminal Trespass (4 counts), Vehicle Burglary (5 counts), and Failure to Appear
Michael Sawin was booked on the charges of Criminal Trespass (4 counts) and Vehicle Burglary (5 counts)

Today in History for October 31st

AP Top Stories October 31, 2019 AM

October 30, 2019

Louisiana Governor's Debate – Live at 7:00 PM

The Council for A Better Louisiana and Louisiana Public Broadcasting will host a candidate debate featuring the two remaining candidates in the 2019 Louisiana governor’s race: Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican Eddie Rispone. Questions will be posed by a panel of reporters and the candidates will also question each other on the issues being discussed.



Covington-area Man Arrested for Attempted Murder After Pointing Gun at Wrong Guy

Wendell King (29), a Covington-area man, was arrested Tuesday (October 29, 2019) for Attempted
Second Degree Murder after he confronted the wrong man with a firearm at a gas station in Bush.

Tuesday morning, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a gas station on Highway 21 in Bush after a male subject followed another motorist to the location and pointed a gun at him. King reportedly had been lying in wait with plans to shoot and kill another man when he saw what he thought was his target’s vehicle pull out of a nearby driveway.

King followed the vehicle to the gas station, where he brandished a firearm but fled after he realized he had the wrong man.

Deputies apprehended King on Fairhaven Road in Covington, and the firearm was recovered. King was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Attempted Second Degree Murder

Deputies have identified the intended victim and have made him aware.

Help STPSO Identify These Suspects


STPSO: Missing Juvenile Located and is Gone Again

Isabella was located in another parish on Saturday evening (Oct. 26) but left again on Monday morning (Oct. 28). Anyone with information about Isabella’s whereabouts is asked to call Det. Gorner with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 276-1355 or (985) 898-2338.

Obituary

Linzie Ray "Bull" Scott
August 17, 1954 - October 23, 2019

Obituary

Betty Jean Newkirk
November 18, 1950 - October 25, 2019

Obituary

Reginald Bernard "Peter" Anders
September 04, 1962 - October 17, 2019

Today in History for October 30th

Washington Parish Jail Bookings October 29, 2019

Kenneth Toney was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction
Laken Harris was booked on the charge of Parole Violation
Sarah Harris was booked on the charges of Attachment and Probation Violation
Leslie Morris was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court
Nikko Pittman was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear

October 29, 2019

STPSO Announces Two New Measures to Protect Children

All registered sex offenders face special restrictions on Halloween. State law prohibits convicted sex
offenders from distributing candy on Halloween to anyone under the age of 18 or from wearing masks, disguises or hoods during the holiday. Offenders are also instructed not to put up decorations for the holiday, answer their door to trick-or-treaters or leave their porch lights on while children are roaming the neighborhoods. The regulations are designed to prohibit activities that would entice children to go to the homes of sex offenders.

At a press conference Tuesday afternoon (October 29, 2019), St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith announced two new ways the agency is helping parents protect their children from child predators.

1. This Halloween, signs will be placed in the yards of 160 of the parish’s registered sex offenders, warning parents not to let their children trick-or-treat there.

2. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office also recently partnered with OffenderWatch, the same Covington-based company that provides the software for the STPSO sex offender registry, to offer a new mobile app to keep families and children safer online. When parents download the new  OffenderWatch Safe Virtual Neighborhood app on their child’s device, the app monitors the child’s Snapchat activity, texts, emails, location and phone calls. The app sends an immediate alert to parents if a registered sex offender contacts the child, or if the child lingers near the address of a sex offender.

Click here for more valuable information provided in the press release.

Two Arrested Following Slidell-area Armed Robbery

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested two men following an armed robbery that occurred early Tuesday morning in the Slidell-area.
Shortly before 5:00 AM  Tuesday (October 29, 2019), St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a convenience store on Pontchartrain Drive in Slidell after two men entered the store wearing orange ski masks and gloves.  One of the men was armed with a knife and demanded money. The men fled the store on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes.

Detectives identified the suspects as Javonte Newman (28) and Anthony Earle (31). Both were located at a Slidell-area apartment, taken into custody, and booked on the charge of Armed Robbery.

Obituary

Alpha Dean Wilson
April 07, 1951 - October 24, 2019

Obituary

Clara Lauretta Wilson
February 25, 1948 - October 24, 2019

Mt. Hermon Man Jailed for Aggravated Rape

Lee Jerome Lewis (57), a resident of Mt. Hermon, was jailed on Monday (October 28, 2019) on two
counts of aggravated rape of a minor.

The investigation by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Detective Division was the result of a complaint alleging ongoing sexual abuse of the child. After a thorough investigation, including consultation with child abuse professionals and medical personnel, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Detective Demmie Rice obtained a warrant for the arrest of Lewis who was taken into custody by Washington Parish patrol deputies at his place of employment in Franklinton.

Lewis has been in the Washington Parish Jail on four previous occasions since 2010. Previous charges include aggravated assault, forgery, attempted automobile theft, and being a fugitive from another jurisdiction in 2010 and again in 2015.

“Despicable, contemptible, disgraceful, loathsome, reprehensible and vile are only a few of the descriptive words that come to my mind as I review the details of this sordid case,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “To sexually prey on any person is horrible and without excuse. To sexually prey on a child exceeds all bounds of human decency. I am so grateful for the hard work of our detective division, particularly Detective Rice, on this very sensitive matter.”


Washington Parish Bookings October 28, 2019

Sheila Stogner was booked In From Court
Lee Lewis was booked on the charges of 1st Degree Rape (2 counts)
Anthony Voltolina was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear
Nicolas Soniat was booked on the charge of Sexual Battery

Today in History for October 29th

AP Top Stories October 29, 2019 AM

October 28, 2019

AG Landry's Halloween Safety Message

Monsters, princesses, and super-heroes will soon be descending on homes across Louisiana; and while Halloween is a fun-filled season of tricks and treats, Attorney General Jeff Landry reminds families that it can also bring safety risks.

“It is a scary fact, but children are more than twice as likely to be killed by a car while walking on Halloween night than at any other time of the year,” said General Landry. “It is imperative that parents and guardians be extra vigilant and take the appropriate precautions to make certain their children remain out of harm’s way.”

Help TPSO Identify This Theft Suspect

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards is asking for your assistance in identifying the male in the
attached photo.

This male was reportedly captured on video surveillance stealing from the PMC Machinery on Hwy. 190 West in Hammond. The video shows this man concealing a Roman Carbride shaper cutter valued at $795 before exiting the store without paying for the equipment.

Anyone able to identify the male is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 800.554.5245. Detective Earl Mcfarland is the lead investigator on this case

Obituary

Justin Wayne Scott
September 07, 1980 - October 27, 2019

Obituary

Robert E. "Bob" Sharpe
October 24, 1953 - October 25, 2019

STPSO Sheriff Smith on the Nanette Krentel Investigation

This morning (October 28, 2018), St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith published a letter, addressed to media outlets regarding the Nannette Krentez murder investigation. Smith states the letter is “an effort to maintain transparency and to ensure the citizens of St. Tammany Parish are provided with all of the information that has been provided to the media”. Smith addresses related events and his issues with publicity, including how the matter is being used in to impact the current election for St. Tammany Parish Sheriff.

News Release from St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith



Bogalusa "Trick or Treat" Hours


Obituary

Juanita Kuhn Taylor
December 26, 1937 - October 26, 2019

Obituary

Randy Michael Strahan
January 08, 1954 - October 25, 2019

Obituary

David L. Seals
August 17, 1959 - October 25, 2019

Obituary

Ann M. Thomas Kindler
September 15, 1954 - October 25, 2019

Washington Parish Bookings October 27, 2019

Sharon Durr was booked on the charge of Driving While Intoxicated
Gerald Easley was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Driving While Intoxicated
Alyson Ramser was booked on the charge of Issuing Worthless Checks on Closed Account

Today in History for October 28th

AP Top Stories October 28, 2019 AM

October 27, 2019

Franklinton Soccer Club Welcomes Players From All Over the Parish

A Message from the Franklinton Soccer Club


The Franklinton Soccer Club (FSC) was established in 2019 to organize, administer and promote soccer in the greater Washington Parish Area for youth and adults. Our club is open to anyone above the age of 3. Our goals are teaching soccer skills and tactics, providing a safe, fun environment to learn and play soccer, and to foster sportsmanship and teamwork among soccer players. We are the only Louisiana state-affiliated soccer organization in Washington Parish.

How did we begin? Several FYSA volunteers, parents and coaches got together and talked about new & innovative ways that would make the game more fun by helping our kids develop their skills and to learn the game from certified, trained coaches. Soccer continues to grow in popularity across Louisiana and the group also wanted to give the kids the experience of playing teams from more established soccer programs. We are grateful to FYSA for past years of association soccer in Franklinton but eventually, we decided that it would be worthwhile to put in the work to make the game more fun and to really grow the sport in Washington Parish.

Washington Parish Bookings October 25-26, 2019

Michael Packard was booked In From Court
Steven Glover was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction
Prentiss Chavers was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Improper Lane Usage
Albert Buchanon was booked on the charges of Attachment, Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, and Failure to Appear (2 counts)
Damarea Gay was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of CDS in Presence of Juvenile, Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, and Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm
Deshadaric Holmes was booked on the charges of No License Plate, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of CDS With Weapon Present, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of CDS in Presence of Juvenile, and Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs
Joshua Gault was booked on the charge of Failure to Provide Proper Info

October 26, 2019

WSTE Report as of 6:28 PM Today

For more detail of outages, click here.



Entergy's Report on Damage and Power Outages

Tropical Storm Olga gave a devastating blow to the Northshore area.  Entergy will complete 75% of
damage assessments by end of day Saturday with hopes of having 100% assessments by the end of day Sunday.

The estimated restoration time for the majority of customers is by the end of the day Sunday with isolated cases sometime before 10:00 p.m. Sunday.

On the Northshore alone, the following damage assessments were reported as of mid-afternoon Saturday:

  • 41 broken poles
  • 130 spans of wire down
  • 3 feeders and 2 poles were inaccessible
  • 8 transformers down
  • 12 cross arms broken

Three tree-trimming crews began arriving on the Northshore Saturday evening with two heading on to the Bogalusa area.  There are numerous trees down across road ways, along with flooding making some of the roads inaccessible.  However, only about 50% of the damage had been assessed by mid afternoon.

As of 4:30 p.m. Saturday, the outages were as follows:  Livingston Parish 227; St. Helena Parish 16; Tangipahoa  Parish 11,042; St. Tammany Parish 729; and; Washington Parish 1,023.

Today in History for October 26th

October 25, 2019

Obituary

Lettie Taylor Foil
May 7, 1933 - October 24, 2019

78 Yr Old Woman Gets 22 Years For Trying To Kill Attorney

District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that Patricia M. Currie (78) of Mandeville was
sentenced Thursday (October 24, 2019) by District Judge Alan Zaunbrecher to 22 years in prison for the attempted second degree murder of her former attorney.

Currie was found guilty of the crime in August. The attorney, who had represented Currie in a bankruptcy case, was alone in a back office at his law firm on October 27, 2016, when he walked into the lobby area and discovered Currie sitting in a chair with latex gloves covering her hands, plastic grocery bags on her feet, and a white towel across her lap. Currie didn’t have an appointment and announced that she had come to kill him. She then moved the towel, revealing a shotgun in her lap. She raised her gun at him, but he was able to wrestle the weapon from her and call police. When St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrived and arrested Currie on the scene, they discovered the gun was loaded and that she had four additional shotgun shells in her undergarments, as well as a box of ammunition in her car. The jury rejected Currie’s claims that she intended only to scare her former attorney.

At the contested sentencing hearing Thursday, Assistant District Attorneys Blair Alford and Angad S. Ghai, who prosecuted the case, argued for a sentence of 50 years, the maximum allowed by state law, while Currie’s attorneys asked for the minimum of 10 years. The victim gave an emotional statement, recalling the terrifying events of that day and how he could think only of his wife and children as he fought for his life. His wife also explained through tears how the crime continues to haunt the family, with the couple’s children living in fear that their father could be killed every day just going to work. Three other witnesses also testified about disturbing interactions they experienced with Currie.

To support their push for the maximum sentence, prosecutors noted the calculated nature and severity of the crime, Currie’s own statements and testimony during trial, and letters she wrote, stating that she understands why people “like blowing up buildings and opening fire on anybody & everybody.” She added in the letter, “That’s the way I feel.”

In announcing the 22-year sentence, Zaunbrecher said he considered the violent nature of crime, the fact that Currie used a firearm/dangerous weapon to facilitate the crime, her lack of truthfulness and candor with the court, her lack of remorse throughout the case and her apparent lack of remorse even during the sentencing hearing. He said those considerations were mitigated by the fact that she had no prior convictions.

Jury Finds Franklinton Man Guilty of Sex Crimes

District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that a Washington Parish jury found Andrew Fonz
Hunt (43) of Franklinton, guilty as charged Wednesday (October 23, 2019) of aggravated incest and molestation. He is scheduled for sentencing by District Judge Peter Garcia on December 5, 2019 and faces 25 to 99 years in prison on the aggravated incest charge for a victim under 13 and five to 40 years for molestation.

The victim disclosed to a high school counselor in 2017 that Hunt had been sexually abusing her since she was 8 years old. The victim had reported the sexual abuse to other adults previously, but they refused to believe her. Hunt also had been physically abusive to the victim and threatened to harm her. The victim ultimately was able to receive counseling and support from a family member and the Children’s Advocacy Center – Hope House.

The victim testified during the three-day trial, and the jury deliberated about 2½ hours before finding Hunt guilty.

After Hunt’s arrest, another victim came forward and accused Hunt of sexually abusing her when she was 12 years old. The second victim, who is now an adult, also testified this week during Hunt’s trial.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney David Weilbaecher, Jr. It was investigated by Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Detective Demi Rice.

UPDATE: Arrests Made Following Shooting in Slidell

One man is dead and two more are behind bars after a convicted felon used an illegal firearm to
defend himself against an armed man and his accomplice who showed up at his Slidell-area home attempting to take his child.

Sometime after 1 a.m. Thursday (October 24, 2017) Hakim Dumas (40) got into a verbal altercation with his live-in girlfriend. The girlfriend left the residence and relocated to a family member’s house but left her child, who was in bed sleeping. About two hours later, an armed man and a friend showed up at Dumas’ residence in the 1900 block of King’s Row in Slidell. The two men confronted Dumas at his front door with the intent take the child.

Dumas produced his own firearm and fired upon the men, fatally striking one and causing a non-life threatening graze wound to the other’s shoulder area. The injured man, Billy Porche (24) of Harvey, fled the residence and was located nearby by St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies a short time later. Neither Porche nor the deceased had permission to take the child from the residence.

Hakim Dumas is pictured upper right and Billy Porche pictured lower right.

Porche was arrested on the charges of Attempted Aggravated Kidnapping of a Child (felony) and Second Degree Murder (felony), as his actions directly resulted in the death of the second individual. Dumas was also arrested on the charge of Possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies (felony) and Possession of or dealing in firearms with obliterated number or mark (felony). Dumas was determined to have acted in self-defense and was not charged in connection with the homicide.

The remains of the deceased have been turned over to the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office, who will make an identification of the man and a determination of cause and manner of death.

The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time.

We're in for a Wet Couple of Days

For your complete weather forecast, go to http://www.mthermonwebtv.com/p/blog-page_5.html


Parents of Addicted Loved Ones Meetings Every Monday


We CAN-CER Vive Tutu Trot Early Registration Ends Nov. 1st

Form a team with your family, co-workers, civic group, garden clubs, church friends, neighborhood friends, all friends to support this awesome cause. "We CAN-CER Vive” Tutu Trot raises funds to benefit Washington Parish cancer patients, survivors and their families to help them cope with the physical and emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis and survivors’ journey. Our mission is to raise awareness, educate and support our local cancer survivors.

Turn in Old Prescriptions in Franklinton Saturday, Oct. 26th

The Franklinton Police Department is participating in the Drug Enforcement Agency National
TakeBack Day, on Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 10 am and 2 pm. FPD Sgt. James “Tiger” Folks notes that this program allows individuals to turn in unused or expired medications, which can cause safety issues such as accidental poisoning, overdoses, and abuse. Unused prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or Doctor's supervision.

The Franklinton Police Department Officers will have a drop off box in the Department lobby (409 11th Avenue) Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 10 am to 2 pm, to accept any unused or expired medications. If you have any old prescriptions, please drop them off and we will dispose of them properly.

The Franklinton Police Department strives to keep drugs off its streets and out of the schools.

Washington Parish Bookings October 24, 2019

Ronald Mitchell was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Careless Operation
Kenneth Dewhirst was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court
Tammy Dewhirst was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court
Cardareus Carter was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary, Resisting an Officer, and Criminal Damage
Jonathan Buras was booked on the charge of Sexual Battery
Crystal Duncan was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts)

Today in History for October 25th

October 24, 2019

STPSO Investigating Slidell-area Shooting

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred overnight in the
Slidell area. Shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday (October 24, 2019), STPSO deputies were dispatched to a residence in the area of King’s Row in reference to a shooting.

One individual was fatally shot, and a second individual sustained a non-life threatening graze wound to his shoulder area. At this time, all parties involved are in custody, and there is no danger to the public.

This is an active and ongoing investigation.  Updates and more information will be released as information becomes available.

Sheriff Randy Seal Announces “OFFENDERWATCH” APP

Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal announces the launch of a new cell phone app designed to enable parents and guardians to help safeguard their children. The new app, produced by a Covington company, was announced earlier this month at a meeting of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association.

The app, officially known as OffenderWatch Safe Virtual Neighborhood, monitors social media sites and notifies parents or guardians if the child’s cell phone is near the address of a registered sex offender for an extended period of time. Interested parents or guardians may obtain more information at www.offenderwatch.com.

“Louisiana Sheriffs are pleased to announce this new app which may be an excellent tool to help keep a child away from the residence of a registered sex offender,” stated Sheriff Seal. “There is a small annual fee, but our Sheriff’s Office does not profit from the sale of the app. We simply join with other Sheriffs’ offices statewide to announce that the app is available.”

Bogalusa Man Found Stuck in the Ditch – Jailed on Serious Charges

At approximately 10:00 p.m. Monday (October 21, 2019), Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol
deputy Chad Cassard responded to a report of a vehicle stuck in a ditch on South Columbia Street in Bogalusa. Deputy Cassard observed a black Camaro, with the driver inside, stuck in a ditch. The driver was unsuccessfully attempting to drive the vehicle out of the ditch and ignored orders from Deputy Cassard to cease what he was doing and exit the vehicle so a wrecker could be called to the scene. Instead, the driver continued his futile efforts to “spin” the vehicle out of the ditch. After the deputy reached into the car, turned off the ignition and removed the keys, the driver finally got out.

The driver, Kevin P. Mizell (48), a resident of West 7th Street in Bogalusa, had an outstanding warrant for contempt of court. He was transported to the Sheriff’s Office in Bogalusa for processing. When Mizell was exiting the Sheriff’s patrol vehicle at the Sheriff’s Office, he dropped a pill container to the ground and attempted to kick it under the car. Deputy Cassard retrieved the pill container and discovered it contained heroin and a small quantity of illegal narcotic pills.

Mizell was arrested and transported to the Washington Parish Jail early Tuesday morning (October 22, 2019) charged with possession of heroin, possession of illegal drugs, contempt of court and careless operation of a motor vehicle with accident. His bond was set at $5,250 and he was released later in the day after posting bond.

Sheriff Randy Seal commented. “Deputy Cassard stepped up to the plate on this one and was able to remove heroin and other drugs out of our community. I commend him for a job well done.”

Washington Parish Sheriff's Office Reports Inmate Death

Washington Parish Sheriff's Office Chief Mike Haley reports that early Wednesday morning (October 23, 2019), a Washington Parish Jail inmate collapsed to the floor in his dormitory. CPR was administered by a deputy sheriff. Northshore EMS responded to the jail and transported the inmate to Riverside Medical Center in Franklinton. The inmate died at the hospital from what appears to be natural causes.

The St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy in an effort to determine the exact cause of death.

The deceased was a 65 year old male who had been in jail since August 8, 2019, charged with six counts of distribution of illegal narcotics. When he was booked into the jail, he did not state any serious medical issues and had seen the jail physician a few days prior to his death.

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office detective division is conducting an internal investigation.

The name of the deceased has not been released.

Breast Cancer Awareness Event is This Sunday in Bogalusa


Washington Parish Bookings October 22-23, 2019

Kevin Mizell was booked on the charges of Careless Operation With Accident, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Schedule V Drugs, and Contempt of Court
Steven Crenshaw was booked on the charge of Parole Violation
Jimmie Watts was booked In For Court
Jordon Bennett was booked on the charge of Simple Battery With Injury
Devvrron Morris was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Heroin, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs (3 counts), Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule IV Drugs, and Possession of CDS With Weapon Present (2 counts)

Today in History for October 24th

AP Top Stories October 24, 2019 AM

October 23, 2019

Registered Sex Offender Exposes Self to 14-YOA Girl

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested Timothy Addison (33), a registered sex
offender, after he exposed himself to a 14-year-old girl at a Mandeville-area bus stop.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office received a report of an unidentified white male in a suspicious vehicle exposing himself and masturbating while attempting to talk with a juvenile while the girl was waiting for her bus during the morning hours of October 16, 2019.

Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office Juvenile Crimes Unit were able to positively identify the man as Timothy Addison  and an arrest warrant was obtained. Addison was taken into custody without incident on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 and booked on the charges of Obscenity and Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile.

“I’m extremely pleased that our investigators were able to identify and apprehend this individual,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “The safety of all our citizens, especially our children, is a top priority.”

ATTENTION PARENTS: Its National Teen Driver Safety Week


Former STPSO Deputy Sentenced For Malfeasance

District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that Jordan Hollenbeck (35), a former narcotics officer
for the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, was sentenced by District Judge Alan Zaunbrecher on Wednesday (October 23, 2019) to two years in prison, followed by two years of suspended prison time and probation on the three counts of malfeasance in office to which Hollenbeck had pleaded guilty on October 1, 2019. Montgomery’s prosecutors sought the maximum sentence authorized by the malfeasance statute, more specifically five years of incarceration.

Hollenbeck admitted to using his position as a narcotics officer to alert two drug dealers, including one who was supplying him with Oxycodone, that they were the subjects of an undercover operation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. At the hearing, Criminal Division Chief Collin Sims and Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Authement presented two witnesses to help make their case for the maximum penalty. A local pain management physician testified that Hollenbeck alerted him in March 2017 that he was the subject of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation. DEA Special Agent Salvador Scalia testified that Hollenbeck’s actions were a “very egregious offense” that put the lives of fellow law enforcement officers in extreme danger.

Sims argued passionately against Hollenbeck’s request for a sentence of probation. He said Hollenbeck’s conduct was an embarrassment to the parish and law enforcement community. “It’s conduct like this that erodes confidence in the entire system,” Sims said.

Hollenbeck gave a tearful statement, admitting that his addiction had cost him his home and family. “I’m sorry for everything,” he said. “I’m sorry for the officers I betrayed. I’m sorry for the people I put in danger…I’m sorry to my family. I’m truly sorry.”

In issuing the sentence, Judge Zaunbrecher said the damage to the public trust was among the aggravating factors he considered. But Zaunbrecher said he also considered that Hollenbeck had no prior criminal history, was a combat veteran who had been honorably discharged, and that he was an opioid addict.

Zaunbrecher mandated supervised probation and drug testing for Hollenbeck during the two years following his prison sentence.

NEW DATE – Business on the Block Event Will be Saturday

Because of a strong possibility rain and thunderstorms on Friday afternoon (October 25, 2019) and after a discussion with the National Weather Service in Slidell, the free Business on The Block Event in Cassidy Park has been moved to the new date of Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There will be still be lots of free stuff to do so please bring the entire family out. Click here for more details.

For questions please call (985) 750-8596.

26 Independence High Students Arrested for Fighting

Sheriff Daniel Edwards reports that 26 Independence High School students were arrested yesterday
(October 22, 2019) for fighting.

The students involved were charged with misdemeanor disturbing the peace by fighting; however, school officials will determine if or what consequences they will face, and if and when they may return.

The school was subsequently placed on “lock down” which means minimal to restrictive movement on the school’s campus simply for the safety and protection of all students, facility, and staff members.

Additional sheriff’s deputies are present on the school’s campus today strictly for precautionary measures. 

The TPSO would also like to thank all of the parents/guardians involved for their patience and cooperation during this investigation. 

Obituary

Lemurl Anthony
January 04, 1958 - October 19, 2019

Today in History for October 23rd

AP Top Stories October 23, 2019 AM

Franklinton Youth Basketball Sign Ups is Oct. 26th


October 22, 2019

Drug Take Back Initiative is This Saturday in St. Tammany

This Saturday (October 26, 2019) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office
will participate in a one-day collaborative effort with the Drug Enforcement Administration to remove unused and expired medications from homes and medicine cabinets.

Bring your pills for disposal to the STPSO Administrative Building, 300 Brownswitch Road, in Slidell or the STPSO Law Enforcement Complex at 2070 Collins Blvd., in Covington. (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps - only pills or patches.)

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Any identifying information should be removed from containers before being deposited.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office also has permanent drug take-back boxes at both of the above listed locations. This on-going initiative is a collaborative effort in partnership with Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA), the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI), and numerous Louisiana law enforcement agencies.

Since the permanent drug take-back boxes were put in place in late 2017, St. Tammany Parish residents have presented more than 700 lbs. of drugs for disposal.

Help Locate This 14 YOA Mandeville-Area Runaway


Council on Aging Announces New Tai Chi Classes

New Tai Chi Class at the Bogalusa Senior Center, located at 603 Willis Avenue in Bogalusa, will
begin on Monday, October 28th. The classes will be every Monday at 1:00 p.m. and run for six weeks.

New Tai Chi Class at the Pine Nutrition Site, located 27164 Hwy. 62 in Franklinton, will begin on Monday, November 4th. The classes will be every Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. To 10:00 a.m. And run for six weeks.

If you are a senior aged 60 years or older and would like to improve your health and manage arthritis pain, contact Clara at (985) 732-6869 for the Bogalusa classes or Leona at (985) 839-4535 for the Pine classes. 

As always, classes are free!

OLOAH - Don't Forget Your Flu Shot


Obituary

Toni Yvette Graves
January 05, 1961 - October 20, 2019

Obituary

Murdock Magee
October 12, 1942 - October 18, 2019

Obituary

Nancy Josephine Kennedy
November 18, 1930 - October 19, 2019

Washington Parish Bookings October 21, 2019

Ashley Bordelon was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court
Marlon Harwell was booked In From Court
Shelton Blackwell was booked on the charges of Probation Violation and Failure to Appear (3 counts)
Jarred Knight was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear and Resisting an Officer (2 counts)

Today in History for October 22nd

October 21, 2019

Obituary

Cresta Nell Wheat Morrison
December 15, 1934 - October 19, 2019

Obituary

Mildred Katherine Slocum
April 30, 1936 - October 19, 2019

Sheriff Randy Seal's Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is approaching, and I expect large groups of children to be out and about that evening, enjoying the festivities. My primary concern on Halloween, and any other time, is the safety of children. With that in mind, I would like to offer the following safety tips. Please review these with your children before they begin their trick-or-treat adventure.

It's Now ATLAS CHEVROLET (formerly, Magee Autoplex)


25 Jail Inmates Earn High School Equivalency Diploma

While their family members looked on Saturday (October 19, 2019), 25 inmates at the St. Tammany Jail received their high school equivalency diplomas as part of the St. Tammany Parish Jail’s first graduation ceremony. Of the 28 who tested as part of the first class for the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) course, 25 passed and earned their High School Equivalency Diploma.




Through a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Louisiana Department of Corrections, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office provides Department of Corrections offenders, who are convicted in and/or are returning to the Florida Parishes Regions of the state upon their release, with services that will assist them with their re-entry into the community.