In this episode of #LDAF's Crawfish Tales, Commissioner Strain visits Certified Louisiana's SonLight Farms. This U Pick Blueberry Farm is a dream come true for 4 wonderful retirees in St. Tammany Parish. If you would like to fill up your own bucket of this delicious sweet treat, check out SonLight Blueberry Farm on Facebook or give them a call at 985-241-0910.
May 31, 2025
This Week in Louisiana Agriculture
From the waters of Dulac to the vineyards of West Monroe, we’re covering a lot of ground in this week’s episode of TWILA! Neil Melancon shows how low prices and high costs are driving Louisiana shrimpers out of business. We also highlight the Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee and FFA students making their voices heard at the State Capitol. Plus, learn how a simple invitation to a meeting led Nicholas Gerace to become chair of Louisiana Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. Discover growing agritourism at Landry Vineyards and get a taste of Uncle Larry’s Certified Louisiana products in St. James Parish.
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 85. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Calm wind.
Sunday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Sunday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 65. Calm wind.
Monday Sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Monday Night Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 67. Calm wind.
May 30, 2025
3 More Arrested in Tangipahoa on Internet Crimes Against Children
From a TPSO press release
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force has arrested three Tangipahoa Parish men in separate cases.
- Jimmy Dale Pierce, age 47 of Kentwood, has been booked on 24 counts of Pornography Involving Juveniles Under 13. Last week, the TPSO ICAC Unit started tracking a suspect uploading child sex abuse materials online. The files were then shared and traded with other users over multiple platforms. The investigation identified Pierce as the initial upload source and he was taken into custody on May 19, 2025. A search of Pierce's electronic device confirmed that he was in possession of the child sexual abuse material. This investigation remains ongoing targeting the others involved in trading the material.
- David Bonfiglio Jr., age 27 of Tickfaw, has been booked on 3 counts of Pornography Involving Juveniles Under 13. Multiple cyber tips came in to the TPSO team about a separate case regarding the uploading of child sexual abuse materials online. Through the investigation, Bonfiglio was identified as the suspect. He was taken into custody while on his parish maintenance job on May 21, 2025.
- Logan Andrews, age 20 of Ponchatoula, has been booked on 2 counts of Pornography Involving Juveniles. Again thanks to cyber tips, Logan Andrews was identified as an individual uploading child sexual abuse materials online. He was taken into custody on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
This activity is part of TPSO’s partnership with Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Office and their ICAC Task Force which includes a collaboration with numerous local law enforcement agencies.
***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***
TPSO Issues Warning Following Rash of Drug Overdose Deaths
In the past seven days, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) Narcotics team has responded to four suspected overdose deaths all with at least one common element— a pink powdery substance left behind.
The victims are three men and one woman ranging in age from 25-60 and all residing in the south end of the parish. But in every instance, a pink powdery substance believed to be what is known as “pink cocaine", with a street name "tusi", has been found on scene. TPSO Narcotics detectives have also found this substance during at least two drug arrests this week.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), pink cocaine is a powdered mixture of substances, dyed pink, but not containing cocaine at all. Instead, it has been found to contain a combination of illegal substances including Ketamine, MDMA (Ecstasy), methamphetamine, and fentanyl. The result is a mind-altering experience, but the version circulating through Tangipahoa Parish at this time is proving to be highly fatal.
While TPSO always encourages residents to avoid illegal drugs, at all times, it is especially important right now to be aware of what is being sold on our streets. If you encounter this drug, please not only refrain from using it, but report it to our office.
As a reminder, TPSO participates with Operation Angel, a program offering those struggling with addiction to turn to the sheriff’s office to seek treatment, at no charge, without fear of consequences. If you, or a loved one, wants help through Operation Angel, individuals can come to any TPSO office or call 985-747-9696.
Bogalusa Police Arrest Cleotha Martin III of Angie On Numerous Drug Offenses
On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, officers of the Bogalusa Police Department arrested 31-year-old Cleotha Martin III of 30104 Wilber Dillion Rd Angie, La for numerous drug law violations.
Officers were patrolling the northside of Bogalusa and observed a vehicle with illegal window tint. Officers conducted a traffic stop and upon identifying Martin discovered that he had an active warrant for his arrest as well as a suspended driver’s license. Officers also observed items inside the vehicle consistent with the sale of illegal narcotics.
Martin was subsequently placed under arrest and seated in the rear of a patrol unit. While en route to the Police Station Martin was observed moving around in his seat in a suspicious manner, officers later located an amount of illegal narcotics where Martin had been seated.
In addition to the warrant and suspended driver’s license Martin was also charged with Possession with intent to distribute Schedule I, Obstruction of Justice, Transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia as well as a parole/probation hold. Martin was booked into the Washington Parish Jail and bond has been set at $100,000.00.
Click here for previous stories re: Cleotha Martin
“Drug related offenses are often a conduit for other crime including violent crimes. Our officers will continue to be proactive in the fight against illegal drugs in our community.” Chief James Smith
***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 29, 2025
Kathy Mobley (age 48 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Second Degree Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Chad Thomas (age 45 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Terrorizing, False Imprisonment, and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Brandi Welch (age 41 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Second Degree Cruelty to Juveniles and Cruelty to a Juvenile(s) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Michael Cook (age 37 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts), and Careless Operation by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Shelia Allemand (age 56 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts), Driving While Intoxicated, Open Container in Vehicle, Prohibited Acts/Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving Under Suspension by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Light west wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tonight Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 61. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Calm wind.
Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Calm wind.
Judge Burris Sentences Man to 135 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Washington Parish Boy
District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on May 20, 2025, 28-year-old Benjamin Hart was sentenced to 135 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of a young boy from Washington Parish. In April, following a four-day trial, a Washington Parish jury found Hart guilty on charges of Sexual Battery of a Juvenile Under the Age of 13, Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes, and Computer Aided Solicitation of a Juvenile Under the Age of 13. The jury returned its verdict after just 20 minutes of deliberation.
Click here for previous reporting
Judge William H. Burris sentenced Hart to 80 years in prison on the sexual battery charge, 35 years in prison on the trafficking charge and 20 years in prison on the solicitation charge. Judge Burris ordered the three sentences to run consecutive to each other, meaning Hart will be serving a 135-year prison term. Judge Burris also sentenced Hart to six months in jail for Hart’s outburst in the courtroom during which he threatened a prosecutor and swore at the judge.
Assistant District Attorneys Le’Anne Malnar and Zachary Popovich of the Special Victim’s Unit prosecuted the case. Captain Chad Cassard of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office led the investigation. Hart still faces similar charges in New Hampshire involving six additional victims.
Evidence presented at trial established that Hart met the then 10-year-old boy online in 2020 while playing Xbox. Their communication continued over time and moved to Snapchat, a messaging platform known for automatically deleting content after it is viewed. Hart used the app to send the child a sexually explicit image of himself, resulting in the solicitation charge.
The defendant ultimately convinced the victim to meet in person. The defendant then began traveling from New Hampshire to Washington Parish regularly, where he stayed for extended visits and sexually abused the child repeatedly. Much of the abuse took place inside Hart’s 18-wheeler. Prosecutors showed that from 2020 through 2022, Hart gave the child expensive gifts, including a cell phone, gaming system, and money via mobile payment apps. He then used those gifts as leverage to coerce the child into further sexual acts – conduct that formed the basis of the trafficking charge.
District Attorney Collin Sims urges parents, educators, and community members to be aware of how predators target children through online gaming platforms such as Xbox Live, Minecraft, Roblox, Grand Theft Auto, and others. “This case is a devastating reminder that human trafficking can start in the most seemingly innocent places—like a child’s video game system,” said District Attorney Sims. “When a young child starts missing school or their grades suddenly drop, it should never be ignored. These may be red flags that something much more serious is happening behind the scenes.”
May 29, 2025
Covington Police Reports 5 Arrested, Charged With Online Child Exploitation Related Crimes
A multi-agency operation over the weekend led to the arrest of FIVE individuals charged with crimes
related to online child exploitation. This crackdown comes just as summer vacations begin, underscoring our unwavering commitment to keeping our children safe.
- Matthew Miller, 40, of Covington was arrested in Mandeville by the Mandeville Police Department and charged with Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor and Indecent Behavior with Juveniles.
- Michael Dore, 57, of Hammond was arrested by the Hammond Police Department and is awaiting extradition to St. Tammany Parish on charges of Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor and Indecent Behavior with Juveniles.
- Jason Stevens, 39, of Independence, was arrested by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office and is awaiting extradition to St. Tammany Parish on charges of Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, and Unlawful Use of a Social Networking Website by a Sex Offender.
- Stephen Shirley, 43, of Mandeville was arrested in Mandeville and charged with Pornography Involving Juveniles and Nonconsensual Disclosure of Private Information.
- Kyle Baltrukevich, 34, of Pearl River was arrested in Mandeville by the Mandeville Police Department and charged with Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor and Indecent Behavior with Juveniles.
This successful investigation was a joint effort with the Mandeville Police Department, Collin Sims DA Special Victims Unit, Office of the Louisiana Attorney General Cyber Crime Unit, Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office, Hammond Police Department - Louisiana, and Pearl River County Sheriff's Department (MS). "These arrests represent our unwavering commitment to protecting our children," stated Chief Michael Ferrell. "We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to hold those who prey on the vulnerable accountable."
We are incredibly proud of the cooperative effort of all the agencies involved!
Your role is vital! If you see or suspect any suspicious or criminal online activity, please report it immediately.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 28, 2025
Cleotha Martin (age 31 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I Drugs, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, Transactions Involving Proceeds From Drug Offenses, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Illegal Tinted Windshield/Side Windows, Driving Under Suspension, and Probation & Parole Hold by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Rachael Spears (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Marvin Carter (age 58 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Obstruction of Highway, Switched License Plates, No Insurance, Driving Under Suspension, Failure to Chance/Secure Registration, Resisting Arrest by Providing False Booking Info, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Renee Spears (age 59 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility, and Contempt of Court by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Jason Rios (age 42 with Raceland, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence (2 counts), Interfering With Emergency Communication, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***
Escape Attempt From Washington Parish Jail Foiled
Late Wednesday (May 28, 2025) the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office reported on their Facebook page of an inmate escape attempt on Monday (May 26, 2028) by 50 year-old inmate James B. Lorio, a resident of Wilmuth Street in Bogalusa. Lorio was stopped while attempting to escape from the Washington Parish Jail through an air conditioning duct in his cell block.
WPSO reports that near midnight on Monday, inmates in an adjoining block heard Lorio moving through the air conditioning duct and flagged the internal cameras to get the attention of the corrections officers working that evening. Officers responded quickly to the cell block and found that Lorio had returned after realizing that his escape path was blocked and that officers had been alerted. Lorio was subsequently charged with Simple Escape for leaving the cell block to which he was confined and remains in the Washington Parish Jail with bond set at $125,000.00.
Lorio was booked into the Parish Jail on May 14, 2025 by the Bogalusa Police Department on the charges of Expired License Plate, Resisting by Flight/Aggravated Flight, No Drivers License, Resisting an Officer, Speed Unsafe for Road Conditions, Failure to Use Turn Signal 100 ft. Prior to Turn, Second Degree Battery, and Battery of Correctional Facility Employee/Aggravated Assault.
Sheriff Smith would like to thank the corrections officers who were on shift Monday evening for their diligence and fast response. “The number one way that we secure the jail is through the actions of the corrections officers who are charged with ensuring security and peace inside the facility. Our shift supervisors and leaders are the reason we don’t have some of the problems that we are seeing recently at the other jails in the area.”
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, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Calm wind.
Friday A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Light west wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday Sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Calm wind.
May 28, 2025
Amite Police Investigating Tuesday Night Shooting
The Amite City Police Department is seeking the public’s help in an investigation related to a shooting that occurred Tuesday (May 27, 2025) night in the Cross Creek Subdivision in Amite.
Shortly after 10:00 PM on Tuesday, Amite Police received multiple calls reporting the shooting. Responding officers found one individual with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Currently, the victim's condition is not being disclosed.
Detectives are actively pursuing the case and are requesting any information that could assist in identifying the individuals responsible.
"We are aware that someone may have seen or heard something that could aid us in resolving this case," stated Chief Lendrick Francois of the Amite City Police Department. "If you know something, we urge you to please come forward. Your tip could make all the difference."
Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the Amite City Police Department at 985-748-6169 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-554-5245. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at www.tangicrimestoppers.com
Lacombe Man Dies in Crash After Failing to Stop for Traffic Violation
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Traffic Division is investigating after a man, later identified as 31 year-old Robert Parker of Lacombe, was killed when he crashed Monday (May 26, 2025) afternoon in the Lacombe area.
A St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s patrol deputy attempted a traffic stop Monday afternoon on a Porche after observing a traffic violation near the Airport Road exit of Interstate 12. The driver of the Porche failed to stop and proceeded westbound on Interstate 12. The STPSO deputy lost sight of the vehicle, and it was later located crashed into the tree line at the Lacombe exit.
The driver was pronounced deceased by medical personnel on scene. Representatives from the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office took possession of the body and late Tuesday (May 27, 2025) identified the deceased as Robert Parker. St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape also advised that Parker died of blunt force injuries sustained in the crash, the manner of death was accidental, and that toxicology tests are pending.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 26-27, 2025
Lunden Marks (age 37 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Violence Battery (2nd Offense), Disturbing the Peace/Simple Assault, Disturbing the Peace/Loud & Abusive Language, and Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Franklinton Police Department. Released on $5000.00 bond.
Alvin Magee (age 61 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Prohibited Acts/Schedule II, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, and Criminal Trespass by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.
Justin Carter (age 26 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.
Michael Harrison (age 30 with Hattiesburg, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Probation Violation and Failure to Appear by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.
Ricky Chain (age 60 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana (2nd Offense), Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Juan Magee (age 42 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs (2 counts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Attempted Possession of Marijuana (2 counts), and Failure to Chance/Secure Registration by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Jody Riley (age 40 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Aaron Myrick (age 38 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Protective Order Violation (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind.
Tonight A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog between 2am and 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday A 100% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 83. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Thursday Night A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday A 50% chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
May 27, 2025
Additional Arrests and Other Info Connected to Amite Inmate Escape
Following the Friday (May 23, 2024) capture of escaped inmate Tra’Von Johnson, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has made additional arrests.
Click here for previous related reporting
Johnson, age 22 and of Tickfaw, was located in the Bennett Road area of Amite Friday evening. Following his arrest, the Louisiana Department of Corrections offered to house Johnson until his murder trial and Louisiana State Police transported him to Angola via helicopter.
37 year-old Dameon Booth (pictured above right), who was located with Johnson, has been arrested for Principle to Simple Escape and Aggravated Escape. He also had outstanding warrants for previous Burglary and Theft cases.
28 year-old Trevon Wallace, who had been rebooked following the escape incident for assisting Johnson in getting over the perimeter fence, has since been charged with Criminal Damage to Property following destructive behavior in his new cell. Thanks to our partners at the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, Wallace has temporarily been transferred there to await his trial for a February 2024 Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Theft, Simple Battery and Resisting an Officer.
At this time, it has been determined that the caller questioning Johnson’s custody status was not involved. TPSO wants to extend its appreciation to that individual for making that warning call and all of the tips submitted during the search for him.
The investigation into additional individuals who may have assisted with Johnson’s escape and eluding capture is ongoing. If anyone has information that can assist with that investigation, please contact our Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088.
You can also contact Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! Information can be shared anonymously.
Lastly, the administrative investigation into the deputies placed on administrative leave for this incident is ongoing.
***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***
Franklinton Mayor and Board of Aldermen - May 27, 2025
The meeting and livestream will begin at about 6:00 PM.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
Severe T-storm Watch May 27, 07:54am until May 27, 01:00
Today A 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. High near 87. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tonight A 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 9pm. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog after midnight. Low around 69. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday A 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog before 8am. High near 86. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog after 9pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind.
Thursday A 80% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 83. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
May 26, 2025
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 25, 2025
Tiffany Thomas (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released May 26, 2025.
Kiran Damario (age 26 with New Orleans, La. address) was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Loud & Abusive Language, Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness, and Resisting an Officer by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $1150.00 bond.
John Weakland (age 39 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Stalking by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Ashley Pitre (age 33 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Jesse Rousset (age 37 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Memorial Day A 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 3pm and 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Increasing clouds, with a low around 72. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday A 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tuesday Night A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday A 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 85. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind.
May 25, 2025
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 24, 2025
Fabian Martinez (age 26 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Driving While Intoxicated by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2500.00 bond.
Stacey Trainor (age 44 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Driving While Intoxicated by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2500.00 bond.
Krisstina Ashburn (age 31 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Simple Burglary by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $20000.00.
Shana Lott (age 35 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Simple Burglary by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $20000.00.
***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***
Amite Woman Killed in Crash on LA Hwy 1054 Near Union Church Road
On May 24, 2025, at approximately 10:15 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a single-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 1054 near Union Church Road in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash claimed the life of 20-year-old Shellie J. Taylor of Amite.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2025 Kia Sorento, driven by Taylor, was traveling southbound on LA Hwy 1054. For reasons still under investigation, Taylor failed to negotiate a left-hand curve. As a result, the Kia veered off the roadway to the right into a ditch, struck a utility pole, and collided with a tree.
Taylor, who was properly restrained, sustained serious injuries in the crash and was transported to a local hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. As part of the ongoing investigation, a routine toxicology sample was obtained from Taylor for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers remind motorists of the importance of making responsible decisions while operating a motor vehicle. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted. While not all crashes are survivable, avoiding risky behaviors and staying alert behind the wheel can greatly reduce your chances of being involved in a serious injury or fatal crash
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Tonight A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Memorial Day A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Monday Night A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Tuesday A 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
May 24, 2025
WPSS Has Several Job Openings - Check it Out!
The Washington Parish School System has openings for Literacy Coach (Enon Elementary), Ag Teacher (Varnado High), Custodian (Pine), LPN (Thomas Elementary), and Choir Teacher (Pine High).
Go to WPSB.ORG/CAREERS for more information.
Washington Parish School System Summer Feeding Program
The Summer Feeding Program is available for children 18 and under!
All meals will be consumed in the cafeterias of each site. See meal times, locations, and closures below.
- 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 - 6/9/2025 - 6/18/2025 (Monday - Thursday) - (Breakfast: 7:30 - 8 AM and Lunch 11 AM - 12:30 PM)
- 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 - 6/16/2025 - 7/17/2025 (Monday - Thursday) - *Closed 6/19, 6/30, 7/1, 7/2, 7/3, 7/7, 7/8, 7/9, 7/10, & 7/14 - (Breakfast: 7:30 - 8 AM and Lunch 10:45 AM - 12 PM)
- 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 - 5/27/2025 - 7/31/2025 (Monday - Thursday) - *Closed 6/19 & 7/7 - *Breakfast ONLY June 2-12, June 30-July 3, & July 28-31* - (Breakfast: 7:30 - 8 AM and Lunch 10:45 AM - 12 PM)
- 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐲 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 - 6/9/2025 - 6/18/2025 (Monday - Thursday) - (Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:30 AM and Lunch 10:45 AM - 12 PM)
- 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 - 6/9/2025 - 6/18/2025 (Monday - Thursday) - (Breakfast: 7:30 - 8 AM and Lunch 10:30 AM - 12 PM)
- 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 - LUNCH ONLY - 6/2/2025 - 6/30/2025 (Monday - Thursday) - *Closed 6/19 - (Lunch 11 AM - 12 PM)
For more information, go wpsb.org or call 985.839.3436.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 23, 2025
La'Damien Peters (age 29 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2500.00 bond.
Cody Crawford (age 43 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Contempt of Court, and Possession of CDS With Weapon Present by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Heath Vince (age 44 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Norman Tribe (age 62 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Probation Violation and Failure to Appear. No bond set at this time.
Octavia Bickham (age 44 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges if Issuing Worthless Checks, Attachment, Contempt of Court, and Failure to Pay Fine by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Jeremy Williamson (age 45 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery, Terrorizing, Unauthorized Use of a Movable, and Theft 1000-5000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***
Franklinton Man Found Guilty of Raping Two Children
District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on May 22, 2025, a Washington Parish jury returned guilty verdicts against 56-year-old Shannon Polkey of Franklinton after deliberating for just over an hour. Polkey was convicted of two counts of first-degree rape of children under the age of thirteen, one count of sexual battery of a child under the age of thirteen, and one count of failure to register as a sex offender. Assistant District Attorney Zachary Popovich with the Special Victims Unit and Assistant District Attorney Casey Allen presented the case to the jury with Judge William H. Burris presiding over the 4-day trial. Captain Corbet Hunt with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office was the lead detective on the case, with Special Victim’s Unit Investigator Anna Thomas with the District Attorney’s Office contributing invaluable assistance leading up to and during the trial.
According to trial testimony, the victims, a young brother and sister, voluntarily left their mother’s custody in Pike County, Mississippi when their mother lost her home in the summer of 2019. The children were taken in by the defendant, his wife, and his daughter in Franklinton. The victims remained in the care of the defendant’s family from the summer of 2019 through April, 2022. While at the defendant’s home, the children were physically and verbally abused. They testified to being struck with paddles, being forced to kneel on air conditioner vents on the floor, and being forced to stand for extended periods of time with their foreheads pressed against a wall.
On the witness stand, the male victim, who was between the ages of 8 and 10 while living in the defendant’s home, graphically described sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of the defendant. He described the defendant committing a sexual battery by touching him inappropriately and he also described being repeatedly forced to his knees to perform a sexual act on the defendant whenever the other adults in the house were away. He further described very specific threats the defendant would make to him in order to compel his silence.
The male victim and his younger sister, who was between the ages of 7 and 9 while living in the defendant’s home, both disclosed how the defendant would sexually abuse them together. They testified to the fact that the defendant would force the female victim to perform a sexual act on her brother while the defendant watched. The victims described feelings of helplessness and overwhelming fear over the things the defendant repeatedly forced them to do.
During the trial, the jury heard from the guidance counselor at the Washington Parish school that the victims attended during the time period of the abuse. She described a meeting she had with the male victim in April of 2022, when he, for the first time, courageously disclosed the fact that he was being sexually abused. Immediately following the outcry, the counselor contacted the Department of Children and Family Services, which began an investigation and referred the case to law enforcement.
The jury heard testimony from lead Detective Corbet Hunt, as well as a forensic interviewer with the Children’s Advocacy Center’s Hope House. With the forensic interviewer on the witness stand, the jury was able to see each victim’s recorded forensic interview, which depicted the first time either of victims had discussed the defendant’s crimes in detail.
Testifying as an expert witness, a forensic nurse practitioner with the Morgan Rae Center for Hope (formerly Audrey Hepburn CARE Center) at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans explained to the jury how children who have suffered long-term sexual abuse often process and disclose trauma as well as the effects this type of trauma has on children.
Additionally, the jury learned that the defendant was convicted of forcible rape of a juvenile in 1987 in Washington Parish. He received a sentence of 15 years in prison. That conviction also carried a requirement that the defendant register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
Not only did the jury learn of the defendant’s prior conviction, but they also had an opportunity to hear about the abuse and long-term effects of the trauma first-hand. Now an adult, the victim of his prior conviction bravely testified to the horrific sexual abuse and rapes she suffered at the hands of the defendant nearly 40 years ago.
Image on left is of Shannon Brady Polkey on the State of Mississippi Sex Offender Registry website.
After the jury’s guilty verdicts, Judge Burris remanded Polkey to jail pending sentencing which is set for July 21, 2025. First degree rape carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Sexual battery of a child under age thirteen carries a sentence of 25 to 99 years in prison. Failure to register as a sex offender carries a sentence of two to ten years in prison.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Memorial Day A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
May 23, 2025
Update on Inmate Escape from Amite Jail
As teams of deputies and law enforcement partners continue the search for escaped inmate 22 year-old
Tra’Von Johnson (pictured left) of Tickfaw, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is detailing the timeline of events that led to his escape on Thursday (May 22, 2025) as well as announcing an additional inmate arrest and employee consequences.
Click here for Sheriff Sticker's news conference on Johnson jail escape
Johnson is wanted for one count of Simple Escape. He was awaiting trial for his alleged role in a 2022 Hammond-area home invasion that killed a man and injured the victim’s child. Johnson is also one of the four inmates who escaped from the facility a year ago this month.
Trevon Wallace (pictured right), age 28, has been rebooked now on charges of Simple Escape and Principle to Simple Escape. Wallace has been in the Tangipahoa Parish Jail since February 2024 awaiting trial for Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Theft, Simple Battery and Resisting an Officer.
Just before 10 p.m. on the 22nd, TPSO received a call from the public questioning whether Johnson was still in custody. Following an immediate headcount of the jail population and a review of Johnson’s movements throughout the day, it was determined Johnson escaped around 4:30 p.m. when another inmate helped lift him over the perimeter fence.
The investigation into this incident determined that around 4:15 p.m., an inmate flooded the dorm Johnson and Wallace were in. During the clean-up, while several sections of exterior doors were open to push water out, an interior door was inadvertently opened less than a minute before the error was realized and it was closed again. In those few seconds, Johnson and Wallace ran out of all of the doors to the yard. Johnson, with Wallace’s assistance, climbed over the perimeter wall. However, Wallace ended up running back toward the building where he was met by deputies who took him back to his cell.
The deputies involved in this vulnerable moment did not report it to their superiors, did not seek to bring appropriate charges against Wallace and did not conduct a confirmation headcount to ensure he was the only one gone. In addition, at this time, TPSO is only able to staff one individual tasked with monitoring 60 cameras all at once while also opening doors as requested by deputies in and around the pods and dorms.
Later, when a scheduled headcount occurred, the responsible deputies failed to follow the three-step process of that headcount allowing them to again miss that Johnson was missing.
At this time, it is not believed this was a planned escape, but rather, an opportunistic one that was compounded by a failure of jail staff to follow protocols put in place as preventative measures for escapes. However, the current investigation into this incident does include looking into the person who called the jail and the inmate who caused the flooding to begin with.
A handful of deputies are on administrative leave during this investigation.
TPSO remains engaged with its partner law enforcement agencies to locate Johnson. He is described as a black male with brown eyes, standing 5’5” and weighing around 120 lbs. He is from the Tickfaw area and has ties to the Hammond-Pumpkin Center area. The team, which has reached between 30 and 40 people and has included K-9 teams and drone operators, has received many helpful tips and we want to extend our appreciation to the public for their support.
If anyone sees Tra’Von Johnson, or has information about his location, or those who may be assisting him, contact TPSO by calling 911 if inside of the parish; if outside of the parish, please contact our dispatch center at 985-345-6150.
You may also contact Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! Information can be shared anonymously and you could be eligible for a reward if your tip leads to Johnson’s capture.
Mandeville Man Found Guilty on 500 Counts of Child Pornography
District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on May 15, 2025, following a bench trial, Judge Ellen Creel found 38-year-old Jason Quinn Lee of Mandeville guilty on all 500 counts of Pornography involving juveniles filed against him. Lee had previously waived his right to a jury trial. His sentencing is set for July 28, 2025. Of the 500 images of child pornography, 450 of them involved children under the age thirteen. Those 450 counts carry a sentence of between 10 and 40 years in prison for each count. The remaining 50 counts of child pornography carry a sentence of five to 20 years in prison for each count. Assistant District Attorneys Angelina Valuri and Hank Meyer were in charge of the prosecution and Brian Brown, formerly a supervisory special agent with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) and now with the Covington Police Department, led the investigation.
According to testimony from the trial, LBI received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that child sexual abuse images had been uploaded through a Tumblr account associated with a particular IP address. In connection with the tip, digital copies of two images and one video were provided to LBI. An agent reviewed the digital files and confirmed they contained child pornography. An investigation linked the IP address to the defendant’s residence in Mandeville. LBI agents obtained a search warrant for the residence and executed the warrant.
When agents arrived at the residence to conduct the search, they encountered Jason Lee inside the residence. During questioning, Lee admitted to utilizing a cloud-based storage site out of New Zealand to store child sexual abuse images. He explained to agents how he obtained the images via Tumblr. Agents were able to access Lee’s cloud-based storage account and found hundreds of child sexual abuse images and videos in his account. A vast number of the images and videos depicted adults engaged in various sexual acts with children ranging in age from newborn/infant to preteen. Other images were of young children in sexually explicit poses, often involving bondage.
14 Year-old Mandeville-area Jr. High Student Arrested
A 14-year-old student at a Mandeville-area junior high school was arrested Tuesday (May 20, 2025) for terrorizing.
Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Persons Crimes Unit began investigating after they were made aware of rumors circulating about students reportedly planning to bring weapons to school.
When questioned by detectives, the arrested student admitted he had started the rumor about the other students to hopefully get them in trouble.
The student was arrested for Terrorizing, and after it was determined there were no firearms at his residence, he was released to a parent on a custodial agreement to appear in court.
“Spreading untrue rumors about students bringing weapons to school is no joking matter,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “Parents, please talk to your children and explain to them the seriousness of spreading such rumors.”
Walthall County Dairy Festival is June 7th
An invitation from the Walthall County Dairy Festival
🐄🎉 Mark Your Calendars – Dairy Festival 2025 is Almost Here! 🎉🐄
Join us on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Holmes Water Park in Tylertown, MS for a fun-filled, family-oriented day at the Dairy Festival!
📅 Opening Ceremony kicks off at 8:00 AM – and the fun goes all day long!
🎡 Enjoy activities for all ages, great food, local vendors, entertainment, and more – it’s a true community celebration.
✅ FREE admission
✅ NO charge for parking
✅ Plenty of fun for the whole family!
Come out and have a blast – we can’t wait to see you there! 🧀🥛
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for May 21-22, 2025
Malcolm Beal (age 34 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary and
Criminal Trespass by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $15000.00.
Alexandria Brown (age 33 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (3 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Paul Broadway (age 52 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Improper Equipment, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Marijuana (2nd Offense), Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $7500.00.
Robert Bridges (age 44 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Prohibited Acts/Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Donald Mitchell (age 78 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery (2 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Arafat Aiyash (age 35 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs/Principle and Unlawful Production Manufacture Distribution or Possession of Hallucinogenic Plants by the Louisiana State Police. No bond set at this time.
Jayden Odom (age 18 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2500.00.
Marcus Raine (age 40 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are innocent until proven guilty***
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, mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.
Tonight Increasing clouds, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Murder Suspect Escapes from Amite Jail - Again!
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is actively searching for 19 year-old Tra'Von Johnson, an inmate who escaped from the jail in Amite around 4:30 PM on Thursday (May 22, 2025).
Johnson's escape was not known until just before 10:00 PM Thursday night when TPSO received a call from the public questioning whether Johnson was still in custody. Following an immediate headcount of the jail population and a review of Johnson’s movements throughout the day, it was determined Johnson escaped around 4:30 PM and that another inmate helped lift him over the perimeter fence.
TPSO engaged its partner law enforcement agencies to assist with not only locating Johnson, but also alerting victims and communicating with Johnson’s relatives and known associates. At the same time, jail staff confirmed Johnson was the only inmate missing and the investigation into the escape, from beginning to end, began.
Johnson was awaiting trial for his alleged role in a 2022 Hammond-area home invasion that killed a man and injured the victim’s child. Johnson is also one of the four inmates who escaped from the facility a year ago this month.
Click here for previous related stories
Johnson is described as a black male with brown eyes, standing 5’5” and weighing around 120 lbs. He is from the Tickfaw area and has ties to the Hammond-Pumpkin Center area.
If anyone sees Tra’Von Johnson, or has information about his location, or those who may be assisting him, contact TPSO by calling 911 if inside of the parish; if outside of the parish, please contact our dispatch center at 985-345-6150.
You contact also contact Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! Information can be shared anonymously and you could be eligible for a reward if your tip leads to Johnson’s capture.
May 22, 2025
Murder Arrest Made in Tangipahoa Parish 2022 Fentanyl Overdose Death
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office has advised that 30 year-old Deandre Dominique Wheeler from Ponchatoula was arrested and booked Wednesday (May 21, 2025) on one count of 2nd Degree Murder, Distribution of Fentanyl, Possession With Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Marijuana, as well as Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
On July 22, 2022, TPSO deputies responded to a home in the Ponchatoula area for a report of an unresponsive 19-year-old male, identified as Louis Reynier. Despite life-saving efforts, Reynier died. An autopsy confirmed the death as the result of an overdose with a significant amount of Fentanyl present in the victim’s blood. The case remained under investigation for more than year, but ultimately went cold.
Following the April 25, 2025, announcement of a murder arrest in connection with the overdose death of a Tickfaw man, Reynier’s sister raised awareness to her brother’s dormant case which led current TPSO Narcotics detectives to examine the file.
After a month of review and additional investigative efforts, Wheeler was confirmed as the individual who sold Reynier the drugs that killed him. Wheeler was taken into custody at his home in the Ponchatoula area. During his arrest, evidence of drug distribution was found in the home including counterfeit Xanax pills suspected to contain Fentanyl, Marijuana, digital scales, packaging materials, and various cellular devices. Wheeler had just been arrested in February for drug-related crimes, the latest in a drug-arrest history dating back almost a decade.
“Since joining the TPSO team as its leader in July, the men and women of this agency have risen to my challenge to break down the culture of this sheriff’s office and rebuild it into one that people can turn to with trust and faith that if justice can, and should, be served, it will. That includes reconsidering cases from the past that may have missed that opportunity, for a number of reasons,” said Sheriff Gerald Sticker, “This team has done that, time and time again, despite budgetary and staffing deficiencies, by providing a fresh pair of eyes and perspectives, not only on facts, but on principles. I’m proud to share yet another example of our spotlight on the drug war getting brighter and bigger. This isn’t just about getting drugs, and usually guns with them, off the streets—it’s about saving lives and holding those accountable who know what they are selling is going take lives.”
TPSO participates with the Operation Angel program which offers those struggling with addiction to turn to the sheriff’s office to seek treatment, at no charge, without fear of consequences. If you, or a loved one, wants help through Operation Angel, individuals can come to any TPSO office or call 985-747-9696.
LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message
Good Insects in the Garden
When extension agents get calls about insects, it is often because one is or appears to be injuring a plant. However, the reality is that roughly 99% of insects are not “pests.” In fact, if you know what to look for, you may see insects that are helping to keep pest insects under control.
Many people have seen aphids on their vegetable or ornamental plants. These are sometimes called “plant lice.” They suck sap out of plants and excrete a sugary substance called honeydew. We often see sooty mold growing on that honeydew. There are a number of beneficial insects and even some fungi that help manage aphids.
We sometimes see aphid “mummies.” The aphids have holes in them and look like they’ve been blown
up like a balloon. This is caused by parasitoid wasps that lay eggs in the aphids. The eggs hatch, and the larvae feed on the insides of the aphids. The larvae pupate and become adults, which make holes in the mummies as they exit.
The larvae of some lady beetles (“lady bugs”) and of green lacewing insects also feed on aphids. Note that the larvae of these insects do not look like the adults, so you might not recognize them. Both look sort of like tiny alligators. Lady beetle larvae are often black and orange, while lacewing larvae are brownish. If lacewing insects are present, you may also see their eggs, which are each perched on a “stalk.”
Like aphids, thrips are common insects, though they are often not noticed because they are so small. Some are problematic because they feed on flowers and thus affect flower appearance or fruit development. Some also spread plant viruses, like tomato spotted wilt virus.
The minute pirate bug is one insect that preys on thrips. Like thrips themselves, minute pirate bugs are not easy to see with the naked eye, but with a hand lens, one can see that they’re black and white. Based on work done in Florida, it was found that having one minute pirate bug for every 40 western flower thrips was enough to provide adequate control.
If you’ve grown tomatoes, you very well may have seen tomato hornworms at one time or another. If you see white cocoons on the back of a hornworm, let that hornworm stay. The cocoons are those of a parasitoid wasp. These wasps lay eggs in the hornworms. After eggs hatch, larvae emerge from the hornworms and spin cocoons on their backs. The wasps will pupate in the cocoons, emerge as adults and, hopefully, go lay eggs in other hornworms.
The final beneficial insect that I’ll mention is the spined assassin bug. The adults of this insect are brown and readily seen with the naked eye. This is one of several different assassin bugs, which often hold other insects with their forelegs while feeding on them.
People sometimes inquire about buying beneficial insects for the garden. While this may be helpful in some cases, it’s a more practical strategy for an enclosed structure like a greenhouse. In the garden, one of the main things to do to encourage beneficial insect activity is to avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides when possible.
The pyrethroid class of insecticides includes ones with active ingredients like pyrethrins, permethrin, bifenthrin, lambda cyhalothrin, zeta cypermethrin, and esfenvalerate. These are some of the most effective options we have for certain insects, like leaffooted bugs and plant-damaging stink bugs. However, they are broad-spectrum and may kill insects that we would rather not kill, too.
Some insecticides have a narrower target range. We have a number of options for caterpillar pests. Insecticides with the active ingredient spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki are generally effective on caterpillars when they’re small.
Spinosad is also effective on some other insects like thrips and citrus leafminers. Spinosad can still negatively affect bees if they come in contact with the insecticide before it dries, so, as with any pesticide that can harm bees, wait and spray it in the late afternoon or evening when honeybees are no longer active.
Insecticidal soap (often called “potassium salts of fatty acids”) or horticultural oil products can help keep numbers of soft-bodied pests like aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and spider mites low. Good coverage of plant surfaces, including undersides of leaves, is essential when using these, since they work on direct contact with the insect or mite.
These insecticides are generally more effective when pest numbers are few and insects are small, so try to keep a close eye on plants so that you’ll spot problems before they get out of control. Before using any insecticide, be sure to make sure it is labeled for the plant on which you intend to use it, and follow label instructions.
Let me know if you have questions.
Click here for previous LSU AgCenter's Weekly Messages
Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson is an Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter, with horticulture responsibilities in Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes. Contact Mary Helen at mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 985-277-1850 (Hammond) or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)