Traffic Stop in Franklinton Leads to Arrests for Child Abuse

On July 16, 2025, officers with the Franklinton Police Department were conducting a traffic detail at  the intersection of Mill Street and Washington Street when they observed a vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers witnessed the driver was turned around in her seat, repeatedly striking a small child in the face.

The child’s mother, seated in the front passenger seat, failed to intervene.

Officers quickly acted to remove the child from harm’s way and safely took the driver into custody. The suspect was identified as Timmy Renea Pounds, age 27 and of Osyka, Mississippi.

The child sustained significant facial injuries. Emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene, and the child was transported to Riverside Medical Center for treatment. Three additional children were found in the vehicle and appeared unharmed. All four children were later released into the custody of their aunt after treatment.

Timmy Pounds was arrested and charged with Cruelty to a Juvenile and four counts of Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment. He was also booked into the Washington Parish Jail. No bond has been set at this time.

The children’s mother, 51 year-old Sylvia Varela and of Osyka, Mississippi, was arrested and charged with Cruelty to a Juvenile. She was booked into the Washington Parish Jail. Varella was released the next day on a $10000.00 bond.

Chief Justin Brown commended the responding officers for their swift action in ensuring the safety of the children.

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