20 Year-Old Amite Man Arrested for Machine Gun Offenses

Earlier this month, detectives with the Hammond Police Department Narcotics Division were notified of a parcel being shipped to an apartment within the city. This parcel contained an unknown amount of Machinegun Conversion Devices (MCD) commonly referred to as a “Glock Switch”. This device converts firearms to fully automatic weapons, which is illegal on both the state and federal levels. 

On October 30, 2024, detectives conducted a search warrant with the assistance of HPD SWAT and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations. During this search, a Glock handgun with an installed MCD and a loaded extended magazine was recovered, alongside the delivered parcel which contained an additional MCD. Detectives also located a short barrel rifle with a modified trigger installed and loaded magazine. Additional loaded magazines, triggers, and a barrel were also located during the search.

Deshun Martin, age 20 and of Amite, was arrested for two counts of Manufacture, Transfer, or Possession of Machine Guns.

This investigation will be forwarded to our federal partners for potential prosecution. 

Keeping our community safe is our main priority. The use of these devices put many innocent people in harm's way and will not be tolerated. If you have information on someone possessing and/or selling these firearms or devices, please contact the HPD Narcotics Division at 985-277-5700.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Obituary

Doris Lee Corkern

August 1, 1936 - October 30, 2024

Teens Accused of Stabbing Victim in Neck and Head in Attempted Carjacking in Slidell

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office reports that two men, 17 year-old Kemond Crawford and 18 year-old Ca’ryane Anderson, have been arrested
following an attempted carjacking, which occurred Wednesday (October 30, 2024) near Slidell.

Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit were notified after a man showed up at a Slidell-area hospital with stab wounds.  The man told detectives he was the victim of an attempted carjacking and gave them a description of the two men responsible.

He told detectives he was working in his yard outside his Huntwyck home around midday Wednesday when he was approached by a man asking to borrow a bicycle. Instead of loaning him the bike, the victim offered to give the man, now known to be Kemond Crawford, a ride to a residence in the Slidell Manor Subdivision.  On the way they picked up another man, now known to be Ca’ryane Anderson.

When they arrived at the Slidell Manor residence, Crawford, who was seated in the rear seat of the vehicle, produced a knife and began stabbing the victim. At some point in the altercation Anderson and Crawford exited the vehicle and the victim was able to lock the doors and drive to a local hospital. He has been transferred to another hospital, where he is being treated for stab wounds to his neck and head.

STPSO patrol deputies located two men matching the descriptions provided by the victim walking in the Slidell Manor Subdivision. Crawford and Anderson have been taken into custody and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correction Center on one count each of Attempted Second Degree Murder and Attempted Carjacking. Bond has been set for Crawford at $410,000.00 and for Anderson at $200,000.00.

“I cannot say enough how proud I am of the work the men and women of our agency do every day,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “It is the cooperation between our detectives and our patrol deputies that led to quick arrests in this case which resulted in these dangerous criminals being taken off our streets before they could victimize another person.”

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Obituary

Gary Marvin Varnado

November 13, 1930 - October 30, 2024

14-year-old Home-school Student Arrested for Terrorizing in St. Tammany

A 14-year-old home-school student was arrested Wednesday (October 30, 2024) night after sending threatening text messages to students who attend a Covington-area private school.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched Tuesday (October 29, 2024) evening to a Covington-area private high school after a student at the school reported receiving messages from an unknown phone number. The text messages included threats of violence towards the recipient along with a photograph of an unknown individual holding a firearm. Wednesday morning, a second juvenile victim from the same school reported receiving similar threats of violence from the same unknown phone number.

The case was assigned to detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office Persons Crimes Unit, and Wednesday evening detectives arrested a 14- year-old female, who reportedly admitted to sending the messages in attempts to scare the victims and had no intention to carry out the threats made.

The photograph depicting the firearm was later found to be a commonly used photograph from the internet, and detectives determined the juvenile did not have access to any weapons.

She was issued a summons for LRS 14:40.1 Terrorizing and was released to a parent on a custodial agreement to appear in court.

“We have made it very clear that we will take threats like this seriously,” Sheriff Randy Smith said.  “We will continue to work with our schools and investigate any and all threats. Parents, I urge you, to please speak with your children about the seriousness of making threatening statements even if they have no intentions on acting on them.”

Obituary

Tracy Denise Graves

March 25, 1990 - October 18, 2024

Obituary

Patrice "Tricey" Lenette Johnson-Watson

August 27, 1970 - October 24, 2024

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 30, 2024

Audrey Owen (age 29 with Poplarville, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting by
Flight/Aggravated Flight, Driving Left of Center/Wrong Side of Highway, Expired License Plate, and Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Shanita Weary (age 44 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Attempted Theft Over 1000, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, and Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order (3 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Alex Myers (age 54 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Schedule III Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Laken Harris (age 36 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Deborah Mertz (age 58 with Belle Chase, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Improper Lane Usage by the Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Tropical Disturbances Today

A broad area of low pressure is likely to develop over the southwestern Caribbean Sea during the next couple of days.  Gradual development is possible thereafter, and a tropical depression could form over the weekend or early next week while the system drifts generally northward or northwestward over the central or western Caribbean Sea. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...50 percent.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight   A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Friday   A 50% chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Saturday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Light east wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Saturday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Columbia MS Duo Arrested for Drugs and More

On October 30, 2024, Narcotics Investigators with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Columbia Police Department, concluded a drug investigation, serving a residential search warrant at 15 Williamsburg Road, Columbia, MS.

During the search, Investigators seized Methamphetamine, Liquid, Methamphetamine, Marijuana, Prescription Medication, Scales, Drug Bagging Materials, Firearms, and a variety of drug paraphernalia items. 

Arrested were:

• Amy Nicole Carroll, age 38 and of Columbia, was arrested and charged with Trafficking (Armed), Possession of Methamphetamine while in possession of a Firearm, Felony Child Endangerment, and two counts of Misdemeanor Possession of a Controlled Substance. 

• Covey Allen Blansett, age 35 and of Columbia, was arrested and charged with Trafficking (Armed), Possession of Methamphetamine while in Possession of a Firearm,  Felony Child Endangerment, two counts of Misdemeanor Possession of a Controlled Substance, four counts of Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Sale or Transfer of a Controlled Substance. Blansett was also arrested on a Mississippi Department of Corrections warrant, two Contempt warrants, and a Failure to Appear warrant. 

Carroll and Blansett are both currently being housed at the Marion County Jail awaiting bonds.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

St. Tammany Doctor Arrested for Sexual Battery

Keith Hickey, age 63 and a resident of New Orleans but who practices medicine in St. Tammany Parish, has been accused of sexually abusing at least two of his patients.

In May of 2024, a woman contacted the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office to report her doctor, Keith Hickey, had touched her inappropriately during one of her appointments. The case was turned over to the detectives with the STPSO Special Victims Unit to investigate. The victim told detectives that during an appointment, Hickey told her to disrobe and then began touching her breast and vaginal area while making inappropriate comments. 

During the course of that investigation, a second victim came forward to report a similar incident.  This victim told detectives that during an appointment, Hickey made sexual advances towards her while attempting to lower her pants and put his hands up her shirt.   

On Wednesday (October 30, 2024), warrants were issued for Hickey’s arrest. He was taken into custody and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the charges of Sexual Battery, Attempted Sexual Battery, Battery, and Simple Assault.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Hickey is asked to contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 898-2341.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Talisheek Man Arrested AGAIN for Selling Meth

Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit concluded an investigation with the arrest of 55 year-old James Moore of Talisheek. Moore, who was currently on supervised federal probation, was arrested after more than one and a half ounces of methamphetamine was located and seized during the investigation.

Moore was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine, and one count each of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Failure to Stop/Yield and Improper Lane Use. He was also booked as a fugitive from Mississippi in connection with other drug charges.

Moore is no stranger to the detectives with the STPSO Narcotics Unit.

In 2016, STPSO Narcotics detectives conducted a joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which resulted in the arrest of Moore and a 2018 conviction for three counts of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. In February of 2019 Moore was sentenced to 72 months in jail followed by three years of supervised federal probation.

After he was released, and while on supervised probation, Moore resumed distributing methamphetamine. He was arrested again in April of 2023 for Possession of Methamphetamine, Flight from an Officer and Obstruction of Justice, and his federal probation was revoked. He was sentenced to six months in jail and two more years of supervised federal probation.

Upon his release stemming from that 2023 arrest, Moore began distributing methamphetamine once again in the Talisheek area despite still being on probation.

STPSO Narcotics detectives learned of Moore’s continued illegal activities, prompting this most recent investigation.

“The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office does not control sentencing, probation nor when a person is to be released from incarceration,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “However, as long as Mr. Moore continues selling this dangerous drug in our community we will continue arresting him.”

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Recruiting Event at Rayburn Correctional Center

Veterans Day Salute to our Veterans!

Obituary

John B. Newman, Jr.

December 10, 1970 - October 28, 2024

Pearl River Man Convicted of Sexually Abusing Young Girl

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on October 24, 2024, a St. Tammany Parish jury found 37 year-old Steven Harden of Pearl River guilty of molestation of a juvenile and computer aided solicitation of a minor. The jury deliberated less than an hour before returning its guilty verdicts. Assistant District Attorneys Angelina Valuri and Iain Dover presented the case to the jury with Judge William H. Burris presiding over the three-day trial. Lt. Jayson Germann with the Pearl River Police Department was in charge of the investigation.

According to testimony from the trial, a young teen in Pearl River alerted her aunt in October, 2021, via Instagram Messenger that her mother’s live-in boyfriend, Steven Harden, was coercing her into disrobing in front of him. The girl told her aunt she considered asking for help from a family friend who worked in law enforcement but was hesitant to do so. The aunt responded back to the teen that she must tell the family friend/police officer “exactly what you just told me” and “tell her NOW!!” The teen then contacted the family friend/police officer and provided additional details. The teen said she had informed her mother the first time it occurred but her mother did not believe her so she was reluctant to seek help from her mother again. The family friend/police officer immediately notified the proper authorities, resulting in the Pearl River Police Department opening an investigation. 

During the course of the investigation, the teen’s mother remained supportive of the defendant, saying she doubted her daughter’s claims because Harden and her daughter had an “excellent relationship”.

During the trial, the young girl took the witness stand and testified as to what she had experienced. She recounted how at one point, her cell phone had been taken away from her by her mother and Harden as a form of discipline. While her mother was away, Harden told the teen the only way he would return her phone to her was if she removed her shirt and brassiere in his presence. After coercing her into complying, Harden touched the girl’s exposed breasts with one hand while touching himself in a sexual manner with his other hand. Later, Harden attempted to coerce the teen into repeating this behavior. In addition, he resorted to using Snapchat to tell her he needed her to perform sexual acts on him to help “release some stress”. The young girl also related to the jury how her bathroom door had no functioning lock and the defendant sometimes barged in and pulled the shower curtain back to look at her as she showered.

Judge Burris has scheduled Harden’s sentencing for December 20th. The penalty for each of the two charges is five to ten years in prison.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 29, 2024

Joshua Fitzmorris (age 43 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Lane Usage, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Kayden Mitchell (age 17 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Burglary/Aggravated Assault by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Jermaine Middleton (age 18 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

The photo of persons pictured were released by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office in accordance with their updated policy, guided by legal and ethical considerations. 

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Kentwood Man Arrested for Rape

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has arrested 34 year-old Marcus Elzie, a Kentwood man accused of raping a juvenile. Elzie was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on Tuesday (October 29, 2024)  on one count of 2nd Degree Rape.

Last week, TPSO was notified by the Department of Child and Family Services about a possible sexual assault of a juvenile. During the investigation, detectives learned Elzie had taken the victim to an abandoned location in Kentwood and committed the crime.  

A warrant was obtained for Elzie’s arrest, he was taken into custody in Pike County, MS, on October 24, 2024, and transported to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on Tuesday.

Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages any victims of violence, especially children, to report these crimes to our office for investigation. Our Criminal Investigations Division can be reached at 985-902-2008 or, as always, in the case of an emergency, call 911.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Coroner Cautions Against Use of Kratom After Recent Death

St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape is cautioning about the dangerous over-the-counter “supplement” Kratom after the toxicology report of a recent death showed the decedent died from an excessive dose. In late August, a 36-year-old woman died of polydrug toxicity, including a lethal dose of the still-legal Kratom.

“In low doses, Kratom causes enhanced energy,” Tape said. “In moderate doses, it causes sedation. In large doses, it can cause death, particularly when combined with other substances or when the user has other health conditions.”

Kratom is an herb derived from a tree native to Southeast Asia. It has been heavily marketed in the United States in recent years, and is even available in pill form in many gas stations and convenience stores.

“Although I don’t recommend using this plant derivative at all, it is intended for low-dose use in tea,” Tape said. “Higher doses and frequent use can lead to hallucinations, delusions, loss of appetite, and a myriad of other harmful symptoms and conditions. And, in worst cases, it is fatal.

Tropical Disturbances Today

A broad area of low pressure is likely to develop over the southwestern Caribbean Sea in a couple of days. Gradual development is possible thereafter, and a tropical depression could form over the weekend or early next week while the system drifts generally northward over the central or western Caribbean Sea. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...40 percent.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday   A 60% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night   A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday   A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning. 

Friday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Is Washington Parish Ready for the Truth? Investigating The Murder Of Donna Arceneaux. Episode 5

Freeze Frame is a documentary-style series exposing a tangled web of betrayal, blackmail, and murder buried for years in a small town where nothing is as it seems - a murder investigation of 40-year-old single mom Donna Arceneaux. In this episode, Donna's brother TJ takes Tucker door-knocking to track down evidence Donna told him about years earlier, and they get a massive lead. After failed attempts to reach Captain Anderson, Tucker's meeting with Sheriff Randy Seal takes an interesting turn.

See the introduction and related links here.

Listen to Episode 1 here.

Listen to Episode 2 here.

Listen to Episode 3 here

Listen to Episode 4 here

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 28, 2024

Ryan Harry, Jr. (age 26 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse
Battery/Strangulation by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Beerein Brown (age 25 with Lafayette, La. address) was booked In For Court

Jacquarius Mingo (age 22 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation and Parole Hold by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Faith Fisher (age 38 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Brandon Fisher (age 40 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Burning by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Rheagan Parsons (age 26 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failue to Honor Written Promise by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Samuel Lumpkin (age 47 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

David Jones (age 40 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under Suspension, Failure to Change/Secure Registration, and No Proof of Insurance by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Sterling Williams (age 31 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Protective Order Violation by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

The photo of persons pictured were released by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office in accordance with their updated policy, guided by legal and ethical considerations. 

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Tropical Disturbances Today

A broad area of low pressure is likely to develop over the southwestern Caribbean Sea in a couple of days.  Gradual development is possible thereafter, and a tropical depression could form late this week or over the weekend while the system begins to drift northward or northeastward toward the central Caribbean Sea. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...40 percent.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   Widespread dense fog, mainly before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 63. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday   A 60% chance of chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. 

Thursday Night   A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Obituary

Robert Michael Whitlock, Jr.

March 11, 1992 - October 27, 2024

Obituary

Wilford Duncan, Jr.

April 30, 1945 - October 26, 2024

Obituary

Clinton "Vent" Magee

March 26, 1966 - October 17, 2024

Burn Ban Issued for Washington Parish

Today (October 28, 2024), Washington Parish President Ryan Seal proclaimed an immediate burn ban for Washington Parish.

See the Executive Order by clicking Read More below

Louisiana State Police Investigate Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash in Tangipahoa Parish

On October 27, 2024, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a multi-vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 1064 at Addison Road in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 31-year-old Brandon Scott McAlister of Denham Springs. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2005 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, driven by McAlister, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane on LA Hwy 1064. A 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycle was also traveling westbound in the eastbound lane, following McAlister. Simultaneously, a 2005 Toyota Corolla was traveling westbound in the westbound lane on LA Hwy 1064 toward Addison Road. Before reaching the intersection of LA Hwy 1064 and Addison Road, the Corolla began to slow down and turn left. As a result, the 2005 Harley-Davidson driven by McAlister struck the rear of the Corolla, causing McAlister to be ejected from the motorcycle. The 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycle then struck the 2005 Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the eastbound lane, causing its driver to be ejected as well. 

Although McAlister was wearing a DOT-approved helmet, he sustained fatal injuries from the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the 2021 Harley Davidson motorcycle was also wearing a DOT-approved helmet and sustained moderate injuries, being transported to a local hospital. The driver of the Corolla was properly restrained, uninjured, and provided a breath sample that tested 0.000 g%. Routine toxicology tests are being conducted on the drivers of both Harley-Davidson motorcycles as part of the ongoing investigation. 

Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make good decisions while operating a motor vehicle. Making good choices while riding a motorcycle, such as never driving while impaired and obeying all traffic laws, can often mean the difference between life and death. Troopers also urge all motorcyclists to prioritize safety and consider enrolling in an approved motorcycle safety course. These programs equip riders with essential skills and strategies that can prevent accidents and save lives. Anyone interested in attending motorcycle safety courses should click  on  https://www.lsp.org/services/training/motorcycle-safety/ for more information.

Missing Child Advisory - Have You Seen Me?

The Louisiana State Police (LSP) has issued a Level II Endangered/Missing Child Advisory on behalf of the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office for 10-year-old Brody Sturdivant. He was last seen on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at his home on Eastover Boulevard in Denham Springs. He went missing at approximately 7:00 p.m. last night after leaving the home. LSP received the request to issue an alert at approximately 6:45 a.m. this morning (October 28, 2024). 

Sturdivant is a white male with brown eyes and long red hair. He is 4’8” tall and weighs approximately 100 pounds. Sturdivant was last seen on foot, wearing red shorts, without a shirt, and no shoes. Family members indicate that the child exhibits behaviors consistent with a developmental condition that may require specialized care.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to immediately contact the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office at (225) 686-2241 or dial 911. All questions should be directed to the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Franklinton Man Pleads Guilty to Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile

The District Attorney's Office advises that Neil Fowler, age 45 and of Franklinton, pled guilty as charged to Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. No plea deal was offered. The judge sentenced him to 5 years, suspended and 5 years probation. He is required to register as a sex offender for 15 years. The victim was not present by choice but did agree with the outcome.

Acting on a referral from the Department of Children and Family Services, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into allegations that a Franklinton man had engaged in indecent behavior with a juvenile. Based on evidence presented, a 22nd Judicial Court District Judge issued a warrant for the arrest of Neil Fowler.  

Fowler voluntarily turned himself in to detectives at the Sheriff’s Office on November 15, 2021 and was booked into the Washington Parish Jail on a charge of indecent behavior with a juvenile. He was released the same day after posting a $7500.00 bond.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 26-27, 2024

Larry Page (age 43 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Battery of Infirm and Domestic Abuse Battery/Aggravated Assault by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Ashley Packwood (age 34 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery, Simple Battery With Injury (2 counts), and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Lucia Manriquez (age 43 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Rachelle Rooks (age 47 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation and Parole Hold by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Kendrick Parker (age 30 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Heroin and Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

John Busby (age 35 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Heroin, Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, and Contempt of Court by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Device Taylor (age 24 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction and Failure to Appear by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

The photo of persons pictured were released by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office in accordance with their updated policy, guided by legal and ethical considerations. 

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Tropical Disturbances Today

A broad area of low pressure is likely to develop over the southwestern Caribbean Sea in a few days.  Gradual development is possible thereafter, and a tropical depression could form late this week or over the weekend while the system begins to drift northward or northeastward over the southwestern and central Caribbean Sea. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...40 percent.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 87. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday   Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tuesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday   A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tropical Disturbances Today

A broad area of low pressure is likely to develop over the southwestern Caribbean Sea in a few days.  Some gradual development is possible toward the end of the week and over the weekend when the system begins to drift northward or northeastward over the southwestern and south-central Caribbean Sea. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...30 percent.

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   Sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 58. Calm wind.

Monday   Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 87. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday   Sunny, with a high near 86. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tuesday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 65. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

**MISSING PERSON** -

Carl Edward Logan, Jr. was last seen leaving Jackson, MS. headed to Louisiana. 

After discovering an abandoned vehicle in the area of Singley Rd. in Angie on October 23, 2024, investigators with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office discovered that it belonged to the immediate family of Logan and had been borrowed by him to travel to Louisiana. Logan’s family members report that they have not heard from him since October 22, 2024.

Please contact Captain Terry Harris with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office with any information about Logan’s whereabouts or if you have seen him in the last week. The number to call is 985-839-3434.

Confirmed at 8:00 AM by the WPSO that Logan has not been located.

Amite Man Arrested for Murder of 19 Year-Old Pregnant Girlfriend

On Friday (October 25, 2024, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) arrested 22 year-old Demarcus Womack of Amite, for the shooting death of his pregnant girlfriend. Womack has been booked on one count each of 2nd Degree Murder, 2nd Degree Murder (Feticide), and Obstruction of Justice. 

Just before 7 a.m. on Friday, the TPSO was called to a home on Bankston Road in Amite after a 19-year-old female was found unresponsive. Upon arrival, deputies located Aieron Thomas, who was 13 weeks pregnant, shot once in the chest. She did not survive.

Deputies quickly identified Womack, Thomas’ live-in boyfriend, as a suspect in the case. Once deputies located Womack, he reportedly admitted to the shooting as well as trying to hide evidence of the crime. 

Sheriff Gerald Sticker wants to commend the TPSO’s Criminal Investigations team for swift and solid work on this case, bringing closure to this family and hopefully helping them begin the healing process.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 25, 2024

Chase Breland (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

Ronnie Pigott (age 54 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court

Jason Thomas (age 47 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

Jennifer McDaniel (age 52 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court

Zephan Rochelle (age 34 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Obstruction to Drivers View or Driving Mechanism and Attachment by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

New Episode of TWILA

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind.

Tonight   Clear, with a low around 59. Calm wind.

Sunday   Sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.

Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Calm wind.

Monday   Sunny, with a high near 87. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Obituary

Tony Dewayne Vanover

December 3, 1956 - October 24, 2024

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Harry Hoppen

February 5, 1947 - October 24, 2024

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Paul Wilton Miller

January 1, 1956 - October 24, 2024

Obituary

Ralph Ferguson

June 12, 1944 - October 23, 2024

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 24, 2024

Christy Gentry (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana (2nd Offense), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond set at $4000.00.

Kenneth Magee (age 60 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Open Container in Vehicle by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jeremy Warren (age 37 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear. Bond set at $9000.00.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Obituary

Vernon Oscar Branch

February 5, 1942 - October 23, 2024

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Tonight   Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 58. Calm wind.

Saturday   Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.

Saturday Night   Clear, with a low around 59. Calm wind.

Sunday   Sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Calm wind.

🎃🎃Operation Boo👻👻 Dat to Search for Non-Compliant Sex Offenders in St. Tammany Parish

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office advises that Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans and the U.S. Marshals Service are assisting this Halloween season in locating and apprehending non-compliant sex offenders as part of OPERATION BOO DAT 2024.

Operation Boo Dat 2024 is primarily a fugitive sex offenders enforcement operation sponsored by the 𝐔.𝐒. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚 and the 𝐔.𝐒. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐎𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 ,and is supported by the 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐎𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐉𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟’𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐒𝐭. 𝐓𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟’𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 and 𝐋𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞.

The operation, which will run through January 18, 2025, will focus mainly in Orleans, Jefferson and St. Tammany Parish with support given to surrounding parishes as requested. 

Locating and arresting sex offenders with felony warrants for Failure to Register  as a Sex Offender will be the primary focus of the operation. Sex Offender compliance checks to verify offender provided addresses will also be part of the mission. As a secondary part of the mission, open sex-based charges felony fugitives may be sought along with other violent felony offenders. 

As part of the operation, Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans will be providing support by spotlighting the below fugitives via New Orleans metro area news outlets and social media and offering 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐆𝐍𝐎 𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 $𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎 for information that leads to a capture/arrest. Tipsters must contact Crimestoppers directly (504-822-1111) to be eligible for the cash reward and will remain anonymous.

🌟🌟𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭. 𝐓𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡. 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐓𝐏𝐒𝐎 (𝟗𝟖𝟓-𝟖𝟗𝟖-𝟐𝟑𝟑𝟖) 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 (𝟓𝟎𝟒-𝟖𝟐𝟐-𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏).🌟🌟

🔗𝙆𝙖𝙧𝙡 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙮 𝘽𝙍𝙊𝙒𝙉   (𝘼𝙆𝘼: 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙡 𝘽𝙍𝙊𝙒𝙉)   𝘽/ 𝙈, 𝘿𝙊𝘽:  03/15/1966 (58 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙡𝙙),     5’09”    139 𝙡𝙗𝙨.    𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙀𝙮𝙚𝙨.  𝙃𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩. 𝙏𝙖𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙛’𝙨 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 (𝙁𝙏𝙍).   𝘽𝙍𝙊𝙒𝙉 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙏𝙞𝙚𝙧 1 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙁𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙖 𝙤𝙣 11/09/1994 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙚𝙭𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙮.   𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙇𝙖𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙚, 𝙇𝘼.  𝙃𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙏𝙍 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. 

🔗𝙍𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝘿𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙡 𝙅𝙊𝙍𝘿𝘼𝙉   𝘽/𝙈, 𝘿𝙊𝘽:  08/07/1982 (42 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙡𝙙),   5’10”  180 𝙡𝙗𝙨.   𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙀𝙮𝙚𝙨.  𝙃𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩. 𝙏𝙖𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙛’𝙨 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 (𝙁𝙏𝙍).    𝙅𝙊𝙍𝘿𝘼𝙉 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙏𝙞𝙚𝙧 1 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧  𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙇𝘼 𝙤𝙣 02/06/2017 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙅𝙪𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙡𝙚.  𝙃𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙏𝙍 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.  𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙇𝙖𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙚, 𝙇𝘼.  

🔗𝙍𝙤𝙮 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙘𝘿𝘼𝙉𝙄𝙀𝙇     𝘽/𝙈, 𝘿𝙊𝘽:  04/14/1988 (36 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙡𝙙),    5’09”  143 𝙡𝙗𝙨.  𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙀𝙮𝙚𝙨.  𝙃𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩. 𝙏𝙖𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙛’𝙨 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 (𝙁𝙏𝙍).    𝙈𝙘𝘿𝘼𝙉𝙄𝙀𝙇 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙏𝙞𝙚𝙧 1 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧  𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙇𝘼 𝙤𝙣 04/14/2009 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙅𝙪𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙡𝙚.    𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 1800 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙩 𝙎𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙡, 𝙇𝘼.

🔗𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚 𝙋𝙊𝙍𝙀       𝙒/𝙈,  𝘿𝙊𝘽: 04/06/1960  (64 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙡𝙙),   5’07”  165 𝙡𝙗𝙨.   𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙤𝙧 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙮 𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙀𝙮𝙚𝙨.   𝙃𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩. 𝙏𝙖𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙛’𝙨 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙧 (𝙁𝙏𝘼) 𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙮 𝘼𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 (𝙁𝙏𝙍).   𝙋𝙊𝙍𝙀 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙏𝙞𝙚𝙧 3 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙤 𝙤𝙣 09/29/1997 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙚𝙭𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙪𝙡𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩.  𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙖 𝙤𝙣 05/04/1999 𝙤𝙛 𝙇𝙚𝙬𝙙 𝙤𝙧 𝙇𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙐𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 14 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨.    𝙃𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙗𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 2008-2009.   𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙡, 𝙇𝘼. 

🔗𝙅𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙒𝙖𝙮𝙣𝙚 𝙎𝙇𝘼𝙔𝙏𝙊𝙉      𝙒/𝙈,  𝘿𝙊𝘽:  08/13/1981 (43 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙡𝙙),  5’09”  169 𝙡𝙗𝙨.  𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙤𝙧 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙀𝙮𝙚𝙨.  𝙃𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩. 𝙏𝙖𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙛’𝙨 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 (𝙁𝙏𝙍).   𝙎𝙇𝘼𝙔𝙏𝙊𝙉 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙏𝙞𝙚𝙧 1 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙  𝙞𝙣 𝙇𝘼 𝙤𝙣 04/11/2002 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙅𝙪𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙡𝙚.  𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙇𝙖𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙚, 𝙇𝘼.

Obituary

Nathaniel "Paul" Bankston, Sr.

February 7, 1950 - October 16, 2024

Obituary

Shane Edward Ladner

January 21, 1974 - October 22, 2024

Former RCC Captain Convicted of Attempted Malfeasance

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on October 23, 2024, a Washington Parish jury found 35-year-old Cody Blaine Williams of Franklinton guilty of attempted malfeasance in office relating to his employment at the Rayburn Correctional Center (RCC). The jury deliberated slightly more than an hour before returning its guilty verdict. Williams was employed at RCC for more than 15 years and had attained the rank of Captain at the time he was terminated in September, 2021 as a result of his arrest. Assistant District Attorneys Jason Cuccia and Gary Tromblay prosecuted the case. Judge Alan Zaunbrecher presided over the trial. Detective Raymond Myers with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office led the investigation. Williams is scheduled for sentencing before Judge Zaunbrecher on November 15, 2024. The penalty for attempted malfeasance is incarceration for up to two and one-half (2½) years.

According to testimony from the trial, RCC set up an account with the local feed store from which it obtained the dog food needed for the prison’s canine unit. One of the job duties of Williams was to obtain the necessary purchase orders from the finance department whenever the prison needed to replenish its supply of dog food. The purchase orders specified the brand and price of the dog food that was to be purchased. Beginning in June of 2021, Williams instructed the store to substitute a cheaper brand of dog food and generate a store credit for the difference in value. Williams would then use the store credits to purchase items from the store for his personal use. At some point, the feed store alerted authorities at Rayburn of what Williams was doing. An investigation was initiated and resulted in the determination that Williams had defrauded RCC of $1,449.29 in funds through personal purchases he made using the unauthorized RCC credits he had established at the store.

During closing arguments at the conclusion of the trial, ADA Cuccia told the jury “The defense wants to argue this case is minutiae or it’s a big deal about nothing, and so you should acquit him. However, as each and every one of you agreed during jury selection, no amount of theft by a public employee is acceptable. We’ve presented the evidence to prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and the only just verdict is to convict him.”

Obituary

Dianne Brown Creel

December 3, 1946 - October 23, 2024

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 22-23, 2024

Mark Mier (age 46 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft 1000-5000 (2
counts), Contempt of Court, and Failure to Use Turn Signal 100 ft. Prior to Turn by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $6150.00.

Markie Bright (age 32 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs and Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Joey Painter (age 40 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

James Thompson (age 30 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Tyrik Payne (age 25 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Careless Operation, Expired License Plate, Driving Under Suspension, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, and Probation and Parole Hold by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Bianca Tate (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated, Proper Equipment Required, and Child Restraint Violation by the Louisiana State Police. Released on $3500.00 bond.

Leon Lewis (age 59 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court. No bond set at this time.

Summer Pounds (age 37 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Schedule 1 Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Alyne Mier (age 40 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released October 24, 2024.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page. 

Today   Sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Tonight   Patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 57. Calm wind.

Friday   Patchy dense fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night   Patchy fog before 3am, then patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Saturday   Sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.

Saturday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Calm wind.