Franklinton Police Traffic Stop Leads to 7 Month Long Investigation and 8 Arrests

A traffic stop by officers with the Franklinton Police Department led to a seven month long investigation which resulted in the arrests of one juvenile and 7 adults.

On July 25, 2023, FDP conducted a traffic stop which subsequently led to the arrest of a 16 year old juvenile and a 21 year-old male, identified as Dillian Mellerine. Mellerine was charged with Possession of methamphetamine and Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles. The 16 year old was charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Methamphetamine.

The arrest of the two aforementioned individuals led to detectives obtaining a search warrant. The following arrests are a result of the warrant.

• July 23, 2023: Russell Carpenter (age 59 and of Franklinton) on the charges of Possession of Child Pornography, Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile, Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles, Trafficking of Child for Sex, Cruelty to Juveniles, and Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II Methamphetamine.

• July 23, 2023: Shanda Creel (age 53 and of Franklinton) on the charges of Improper Supervision of a Minor, Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II Methamphetamine, Cruelty to Juveniles, and Indecent Behavior with Juveniles.

• July 23, 2023: Michael Wareham (age 60 and of Franklinton) on the charges of Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance while in Possession of a Weapon, Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II Methamphetamine, Cruelty to Juveniles, and Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. 

Following an undercover operation conducted by FPD Investigators, detectives made the following arrests stemming from the above listed traffic stop and search warrant.

• August 28, 2023: Howard Caughlin (age 57 and of Bogalusa) on the charges of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Computer Aided Solicitation of a minor, and Possession of child Pornography.

• October 5, 2023: Jonah Hazelwood (19 and of Franklinton) on the charges of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Computer Aided Solicitation of a minor, and Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile.

• January 18, 2024: Hayden Fendley (19 and of Franklinton) on the charges of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Computer Aided Solicitation of a minor, and Pornography Involving Juveniles.