Man and Woman Arrested at Motel in Bogalusa

Responding to a request from the Louisiana Division of Probation and Parole on May 13, 2021, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives responded to a motel room south of Bogalusa. Inside the room, officers discovered Brandon Michael Miller (age 30 and a resident of West 10th Street in Bogalusa) and Santanna Reshee Ratley (age 20 and a resident of Zack Magee Road in Franklinton) and a three month old child.

Miller was arrested and booked into the Washington Parish Jail on charges of possession of heroin, possession with intent to distribute other illegal drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a child. This was Miller’s eighth recorded arrest in Washington Parish since 2009 including charges of possession of illegal drugs, driving under suspension, failure to honor a written promise, failure to appear in court, driving without a license, resisting an officer, burglary of an inhabited dwelling, criminal conspiracy, eight counts of theft of a firearm, eight counts of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, theft, and multiple holds from Probation and Parole.

Ratley was booked into the Washington Parish Jail on charges of possession of illegal drugs, possession of controlled dangerous substances in the presence of a child and improper supervision of a minor. There is no jail record of her being previously incarcerated in Washington Parish. 

At the direction of a 22nd Judicial District Court Judge, custody of the child was turned over to an investigator from the Department of Children and Family Services who responded to the scene.

“What a sad story,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “It is inconceivable that a mother would bring a three month old child into such an environment. I am so grateful for the assistance from the Division of Probation and Parole and the Department of Children and Family Services. Let’s hope and pray this child will be kept safe from future harm. I extend my sincere appreciation to all officers and agencies which participated in these arrests and provided a safe harbor for this child.”