Last Saturday (February 22, 2020), Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy Kyle Stogner, assisted by Rayburn Correctional Center officer Jacob Waskom, conducted a traffic stop on Sullivan Drive in Bogalusa. The driver initially gave a false name, but was eventually identified as Cleotha Martin (25), a resident of Wilbur Dillon Road in the Angie area. When Martin exited his vehicle, he immediately swallowed a small, clear plastic bag containing an unknown substance. Although Martin resisted the officers, they were able to control and handcuff him.
Deputy Stogner called for backup and patrol deputy Chad Cassard and Rayburn Correctional Center officer Jonathan Stringer arrived to assist along with Sgt. David Cupp. After the newly arrived officers took control of the vehicle, Martin was transported to Our Lady of Angels Hospital for medical clearance before being transported to jail.
An inventory of Martin’s vehicle yielded numerous items, including $30,264 cash, a 9mm handgun, methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin and oxycodone pills. All items were inventoried and seized in addition to the vehicle in which Martin was traveling.
Martin was booked into the Washington Parish Jail charged with five counts of possession with intent to distribute the various illegal drugs, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of controlled dangerous substances with a weapon present, possession of illegal drugs, obstruction of justice, resisting arrest, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and driving under suspension. He remains in jail with his bond set at $250,000; however, he cannot be released on bond until he makes a mandatory court appearance.
Martin has three previous stays in the Washington Parish Jail. In 2013, he was arrested for traffic offenses. In 2015, he was arrested and charged with five counts of possession of illegal drugs with intent to distribute, two counts of distribution of illegal drugs, possession of controlled dangerous substances with a weapon present and several traffic offenses. Martin was jailed again in 2016 for three counts of possession of illegal drugs with intent to distribute, possession of illegal drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft and resisting an officer.
“Fantastic job by our patrol deputies,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Martin’s record indicates he has no regard for the law or for his community. It is for persons like him that we have a jail and he is right where he belongs. I am so pleased at the pro-active work of our patrol deputies who do an outstanding job protecting each citizen of Washington Parish.”