Washington Parish Grand Jury Indicts 16 Individuals

FRANKLINTON - Interim District Attorney J. Collin Sims reports that on February 6, 2024, a Washington Parish grand jury indicted 15 men and 1 woman with Racketeering, following a long-term joint effort between the District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Bogalusa Police Department, the Franklinton Police Department, and other agencies in developing the evidence that led to the indictment of the sixteen individuals.

D.A. Sims said, “This is part of a series of indictments targeting violent crime in Bogalusa with our local, state, and federal partners. In total, 51 individuals have now been indicted between the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office (41) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office (10). We will continue to make the safety of the citizens of Bogalusa a priority.”

“Bringing ATF’s expertise and resources to focus on individuals and organizations that plague our communities with their gun trafficking and violence is a top priority of ATF and our partners at the St. Tammany District Attorney’s Office,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson.

“These indictments demonstrate our collective law enforcement commitment to combatting those repeat offenders who threaten our citizens and communities with their violent activities.”

“Cases and investigations such as these prove how important it is to have a strong and positive working relationship with the District Attorney’s Office. The collaboration utilized amongst these agencies ensures the safety of all our citizens. We remain committed to maintaining a strong relationship with the District Attorney's Office, along with our local, state, and federal partners, in the pursuit of justice against drug dealers and violent offenders within our community.” Assistant Chief Troy Tervalon, Bogalusa Police Department.

The individuals who were indicted for participating in a Racketeering Enterprise operating between January 1, 2017 and November 13, 2023 are as follows:

• Trveion Mark, Age 27 of Fort Worth, Texas
• Mark Amos IV aka: "FG Famous" Age 25 of Bogalusa 
• Demarquiez Devon Harris aka: "Quez" Age 28 of Bogalusa 
• Kelzon Clark Aka: "Boo" Age 30 of Bogalusa 
• Kenyatta G. Scott, Jr. aka: “Yatta” Age 26 of Bogalusa 
• Dakeithan D. Matthews aka: "Wop" Age 28 of Bogalusa 
• Sheylyn J. Griffin aka: "Bap" Age 26 of Bogalusa 
• Jamar Mcgowan aka: "Jig" Age 30 of Angie 
• Trevonne L. Mingo aka: "Chapo" Age 28 of Bogalusa 
• Brittany N. Mayes Age 37 of Jonesboro, Georgia 
• Carlos J. Walker aka: "Los" Age 34 of Bogalusa 
• Ja'vontay Marquese Owens aka: "Joe Black" Age 30 of Bogalusa 
• Caleb R. Allen Age 21 of Bogalusa 
• Tylar R. Redditt Age 23 of Bogalusa 
• Markus K. Mark aka: "Poel" Age 28 of Killeen, Texas 
• Jakeithon Trevon Smith Age 21 of Bogalusa

The racketeering conduct alleged in the indictment includes the defendants’ operation of a firearms and narcotics distribution network in Washington and St. Tammany Parishes. Members and associates of the enterprise are alleged to have engaged in acts of murder; attempted murder; solicitation to commit murder; kidnapping; illegal possession and trafficking of firearms; distribution of controlled dangerous substances; possession of controlled dangerous substances with the intent to distribute; money laundering; and obstruction of justice. In addition to the Racketeering charge, Trevion Mark has also been indicted on charges of second-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, possession of schedule II drugs, and obstruction of justice by tampering with evidence.

This indictment follows an earlier indictment, returned on September 20, 2023, brought by the D.A.’s Office, targeting organized criminal activity in which twenty-five (25) individuals were charged in a twenty-nine-count indictment charging racketeering and offenses related to the Enterprise. In that indictment, based upon an extensive investigation conducted by Louisiana State Police with the assistance of the District Attorney’s Office, the State alleged that the Enterprise was responsible for bringing heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana with a street value in excess of $20,000,000.00 over the last year of the Enterprise’s operation.

Assistant District Attorney Doug Freese presented both cases to the grand jury.