Suspicious Couple Arrested at Cemetery

Late Monday (October 24, 2022) evening, a Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a report of a suspicious couple sitting inside a vehicle at a cemetery on Thigpen Road. When the deputy arrived at the scene, he discovered Douglas Earl Demmons (age 35 and a resident of Thigpen Road) and Jessica Strain (age 33 and who has a Franklinton address). The deputy removed both individuals from the vehicle and began an investigation into their activities.

It was determined that Demmons had two warrants for domestic abuse battery. He was arrested on those warrants plus illegal drugs which were found in the vehicle and claimed by Demmons. He has previous arrests in Washington Parish for distribution of illegal drugs and other charges. Strain was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

The bond for Demmons was set at $11,000. Strain’s bond was set at $5,000 and she was bonded out of jail on October 25, 2022.

“Obviously, there was not a funeral in progress at that time of night,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Demmons and Strain picked the wrong place to rendezvous, not thinking that an alert citizen would spot and report them. This is a good example to all Washington Parish residents. If you see suspicious activity, call and let us know. We will respond.”