February 17, 2026
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
February 16, 2026
Suspects Sought in Dollar Store Thefts
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) today (February 16, 2026) requests the public’s help in identifying and locating a man and woman accused of stealing from several area discount stores recently.
On February 6, 2026, employees at the Dollar General store in the 20000 block of Highway 190 in the Ponchatoula area reported that the same two suspects had been coming into the store for several weeks to steal items from the cleaning supplies area of the store. Each time, the suspects were traveling in a red sedan with Louisiana license plate 161 JOK.
It was learned these same suspects are wanted by Ponchatoula Police for the same crimes at the Dollar General store on Highway 22.
While the male suspect is seen clearly on surveillance video, the other is described as a white female with red hair.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information about who these suspects are, or their whereabouts, to contact Det. Earl McFarland at 985-514-8181 or 985-351-8942. If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through 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! You may be eligible for a cash reward.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Drunk Driver Plows Into Bedroom of Slidell Home
Shortly before 11pm on Thursday (February 12, 2026) night, Slidell Police responded to a vehicle that crashed into a house in the 100 block of Dewald Drive.
Upon arrival, officers observed a gray Nissan Altima completely inside of a bedroom of the house. It was discovered a 13-year-old was in bed sleeping at the time of the crash, and miraculously only received minor physical injuries. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 20-year-old Alec Dillon of Slidell was still at the scene and was visibly intoxicated. Dillon was placed under arrest for 2nd Offense DWI, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Vehicular Negligent Injuring, Driving Under Suspension, and Open Container.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
The young boy, who was in bed at the time of the crash, recently rearranged his bedroom and moved his bed. Under the previous arrangement, it is believed this crash would have ended much differently.
𝙎𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙛 𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙡 𝙎𝙚𝙪𝙯𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙪 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨, “𝙂𝙊𝘿 𝙄𝙎 𝙂𝙊𝙊𝘿 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙡𝙚. 𝘿𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙤. 𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙈𝙧. 𝘿𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙮. 𝙄 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝟮𝟬-𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨-𝙤𝙡𝙙, 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩. 𝙒𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚.”
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
February 14, 2026
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
February 13, 2026
One Dead, Multiple Injured in Hammond Shooting
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office reports that one person is in custody following a shooting at around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday (February 12, 2026) that killed one and injured four, including a 4-year-old boy .
In custody is 30-year-old Marquanvius Jones, who is facing 2nd Degree Murder, Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, and Assault with a Deadly Weapon charges.
TPSO received reports of multiple people injured in the townhome complex located on Willow Villa Road off of Old Baton Rouge Highway in the Hammond area. In total, five people were hit. Javan Myers, age 26, died from his injuries. Jones was struck as well. A 25-year-old man remains hospitalized in serious condition, while a 22-year-old female and a 4-year-old boy were treated and released.
The investigation has revealed that an argument among a group of people escalated to Jones firing into a crowd, with Myers firing back. While detectives are still working to determine the details of the argument, information gathered so far suggests it began over a request for a ride.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact our Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088. If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through 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! Tips submitted directly through Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.
$1000 Scholarships Available to Graduating HS Students
Source: Washington Parish Sheriff's Office
The Louisiana Sheriff’s Scholarship Program is awarding $1000 scholarships to graduating high school students from each parish. This scholarship is intended to assist hard-working students in furthering their education and training.
There are no restrictions on how scholarships are spent. The scholarships are not loans and will be awarded as gifts to defray the rising costs of tuition and related expenses in higher education.
The only limitations are that applicants must be permanent residents of Washington Parish, Louisiana, scholarships must be used for higher education within the state of Louisiana and students must be enrolled as full-time undergraduates.
Applications must be submitted to the Franklinton Sheriff’s Office by April 1, 2026. To qualify, applicants must be eligible for admission to the school indicated on the application. All scholarship winners will be announced by May 1, 2026.
For guidelines, criteria and printable applications, please visit https://lsa.org/scholarship/.
For more information, please contact us at 985-839-3434.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
February 12, 2026
Man Sentenced to 60 Years for Brutal Kidnapping & Rape
District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on February 12, 2026, Antoine Massey was sentenced to a total of 60 years in prison by the Honorable Judge Alan M. Black. The sentencing follows Massey’s December 2025 conviction by a unanimous St. Tammany Parish jury on charges of Second Degree Rape, Second Degree Kidnapping, Domestic Abuse of a Dating Partner by Strangulation, and Second Offense Violation of a Protective Order.
In total, Massey will serve 60 years hard labor without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.
The charges originated from violent, hours-long attacks on November 10, 2024. After discovering domestic violence paperwork in the victim’s purse, Massey beat and strangled her before kidnapping her and driving her between Slidell and New Orleans. Throughout the ordeal, Massey repeatedly assaulted and raped the victim. The abuse only ended when the victim managed to escape and flag down a stranger in New Orleans to contact the New Orleans Police Department.
Click here for a previous related story
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Black addressed Massey directly, highlighting the severity of his actions and his extensive prior record, “Your criminal history is significant and started a long time ago,” Judge Black stated. “This crime here was over an extensive amount of hours. It was brutal…and extreme violence – this all adds up to what the court considers.”
The case was notable for the extensive digital evidence presented by Lead Detective Katie Ragan of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Despite Massey’s attempts to coerce the victim into recanting through jailhouse calls – and an advocate’s attempt to interfere with the victim’s testimony in open court – prosecutors used license plate readers, Ring doorbell footage, and recorded calls to secure the conviction.
District Attorney Collin Sims praised the sentence as a vital step in protecting the community and honoring the victim’s initial courage. “Judge Black’s imposition of this 60-year sentence ensures that a violent predator is removed from our streets for a very long time,” DA Sims said. “Domestic violence is a cycle of fear and manipulation, but the meticulous work of our investigators and prosecutors provided a voice for the victim when she was most vulnerable. We remain committed to holding abusers accountable, even when they attempt to subvert the justice system from behind bars.”
DA Sims extended his gratitude to Assistant District Attorneys Zachary Popovich and Elizabeth Authement for their successful prosecution, as well as the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service for their roles in the investigation and Massey’s apprehension.
Keldric Harry Found Guilty of Murder in Bogalusa High School Shooting
District Attorney Collin Sims announces that on Wednesday (February 11, 2026), a Washington Parish jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict against 18-year-old Keldric Harry of Bogalusa, Louisiana for the January 2024 shooting that claimed the life of a 14-year-old and injured two others.
Click here for a previous related story
Following a trial held before the Honorable Judge John A. Keller, Harry was found guilty on one count of Second Degree Murder and two counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder.
The conviction stems from an incident on January 11, 2024, in the parking lot of Bogalusa High School during a basketball game. Evidence presented at trial showed that the victim, identified as 14-year-old D.J., and two friends were fired upon after entering an unlocked vehicle. The prosecution detailed how Harry, alongside co-defendant Hakheim Young, used an automatic weapon to unleash a “death sentence” on a child for a minor property crime.
District Attorney Collin Sims praised the verdict as a necessary step for community safety. “This verdict sends a clear and resolute message that senseless acts of violence will not be tolerated in our district,” Sims stated. “Our office remains committed to holding those who devalue human life accountable. While we cannot restore what this family has lost, we can ensure that this individual faces the full weight of the law.”
During closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney Gary Tromblay emphasized the calculated nature of the violence. “This wasn’t trick-or-treating…this was murder and attempted murder,” Tromblay told the jury. “The victim made the wrong choice at the wrong time – he broke into the wrong car. Did he deserve a death sentence? Did he deserve to get zippered with a machine gun? He bled out in the back seat of that car. That’s just cold-blooded, calculated killing.”
A pivotal piece of evidence in the state’s case was a voice recording of the defendant captured approximately 12 hours after the murder. Despite defense efforts to label the audio as AI-generated, Assistant District Attorney Jay Adair successfully argued for its authenticity.
“The defense trying to gaslight you into an alternate reality just tells me how damning that piece of evidence is,” Adair told the jury. “Logical consistency is important. It’s authentic…down to the bursts of an automatic,” he declared, referring to the sounds the defendant made in the recording while describing the gunfire.
Adair continued by placing the weight of the decision on the jury’s sense of duty: “You get to decide if based on reason and common sense that aligns with everything else you heard. I’m not going to feel joy or delight – regardless of what you decide – at most, I will feel that justice has been served for this family—that they cannot ever get their 14-year-old son back – who got a death sentence for opening an unlocked door of a car at a game.”
The investigation, led by the Bogalusa Police Department, utilized camera footage and witness statements to unravel a web of untruths regarding the getaway vehicle. Evidence confirmed that Harry remained in the parking lot specifically because he was banned from school campus, eventually using a friend’s vehicle to flee the scene after the homicide.
The Office of the District Attorney extends its gratitude to the jurors for their service and to the investigators who ensured a thorough presentation of the facts.
Sentencing for Keldric Harry will take place on April 20, 2026, before Judge Keller.
The co-defendant in this matter, Hakheim Young, is currently pending trial. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Illegal Firearms, Burglary Tools & More Seized During Slidell Traffic Stop
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives removed multiple illegal firearms along with burglary tools from the streets during a proactive enforcement operation in Slidell on Tuesday (February 10, 2026).
Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Proactive Enforcement Unit and Narcotics Division were conducting proactive patrols near Oak Harbor and Interstate 10 when they initiated a traffic stop on a northbound red 2010 Nissan Versa. The vehicle was occupied by four individuals identified as 23-year-old Dakari Williams of Slidell, 18-year-old Lavonte Price of New Orleans, 17-year-old Aalijah Lyons of New Orleans, and a 16-year-old juvenile (not pictured).
While the occupants were exiting the vehicle, one individual attempted to destroy evidence by discarding marijuana, which led detectives to conduct a search of the vehicle. During the search, detectives located four firearms, including: a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol, a mini-Draco Avtomat Kalashnikova 7.62x39mm style pistol, a Glock 19 9mm pistol, which was reported stolen out of Jefferson Parish (illegally modified), and a FEDARM AR-15 .223 style pistol that had been illegally modified to function as an automatic firearm.
Detectives also located items commonly associated with vehicle burglaries and thefts, including a re-keying device used to clone automotive smart keys, remote fobs and transponder chips, as well as ski masks, gloves, goggles and a window punch/glass-breaking tool.
All four occupants were arrested and booked on numerous charges. The adults were transported to the St. Tammany Parish Jail, and the juvenile was transported to the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center.
Following his arrival at the jail, Williams was also found to be in possession of three Tapentadol tablets, a Schedule II narcotic with a high potential for abuse.
“This case highlights the importance of proactive policing,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “By actively patrolling areas where criminal activity is known to occur, our deputies and detectives are able to intervene before these illegal weapons are used and before residents become victims. Removing these firearms and burglary tools from our streets helps prevent crimes that could otherwise be inevitable.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is committed to proactive policing, crime prevention and keeping our communities safe. Sheriff Smith is asking anyone with information about narcotics or other crimes, to submit a tip utilizing the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office website (www.STPSO.com), by calling the narcotics tip line (1-888-GO-2-JAIL) or by calling Crimestoppers. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward through Crimestoppers.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
February 11, 2026
Folsom Man Arrested On Charges Related to Child Sexual Exploitation
In August, 2025, the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit (LSP/SVU), working in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Covington Police Department concluded a six-month long investigation into child exploitation in St. Tammany Parish.
The investigation resulted in the arrest of 35-year-old Taylor J. Tassin of Folsom. Throughout the investigation, Tassin reportedly sent sexually explicit conversations with whom he believed to be a minor.
On February 10, 2026, Tassin was arrested in Lacombe and charged with Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, and Child Grooming. Tassin was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center. Bond was set at $150,000.00. This case remain under investigation.
This investigation highlights the continued collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in combating sexual crimes that threaten the safety of Louisiana children.
The Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit works to rescue and seek justice for victims of child exploitation and human trafficking through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as public education. The public plays a crucial role in identifying suspects and reporting criminal or suspicious activity. An anonymous reporting form is available online at http://la-safe.org/ by clicking the “Suspicious Activity” link. Your vigilance helps protect vulnerable members of our communities and supports the fight against exploitation and trafficking.
Bicyclist Critically Injured in Slidell, Arrest Made
The Slidell Police Department reports the arrest of 37-year-old Derreck Gahagan of Covington, following a collision that left a 63-year-old bicyclist critically injured.
Shortly before 6:00 p.m. on Sunday (February 8, 2026), Slidell Police responded to reports of a large box truck striking a male bicyclist in the 1600 block of Highway 190 West. Upon arrival, officers located the victim suffering from critical injuries. The victim was stabilized at the scene and airlifted to a New Orleans-area hospital for further treatment.
Investigators determined the victim was traveling westbound on Highway 190 West when he began experiencing issues with his bicycle chain. The victim pulled off the roadway to make the repairs to his bicycle, when a westbound box truck, for reasons still under investigation, left the roadway and struck him.
During the investigation, the driver displayed signs of impairment. Investigators conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) on the driver and determined there was sufficient probable cause and evidence to support that the driver was impaired at the time of the collision. As part of standard procedure with accidents involving serious or fatal injuries, blood samples were also collected for a toxicology analysis from both the driver and the victim. The toxicology report is pending.
Gahagan was identified as the driver of the box truck and was subsequently placed under arrest and booked into the Slidell City Jail on the charges of 1st Degree Vehicular Negligent Injuring, Driving While Impaired - 4th Offense, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Driving Under Suspension, and Switched License Plate.
This investigation remains ongoing.
Accused of Robbing the Same Business Twice in a Week
The Slidell Police Department has reported the arrest of 26-year-old, Durbert Ashford who they say robbed the same business twice within a one-week period.
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 4, 2026, a male suspect entered the Smoke N Smoke shop located in the 700 block of Brownswitch Road. The suspect concealed his identity and demanded cash from a store employee. He then fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash. Slidell Police investigators immediately began working the case and developed information identifying a possible suspect and residence.
On Sunday, February 8, 2026, as a Mardi Gras parade was underway in Slidell, a second robbery occurred at the same Smoke N Smoke location. During this incident, the suspect concealed his identity and again made off with cash.
Using the information previously developed, Slidell Police and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office deputies quickly responded to a residence associated with the suspect. Officers located a male standing in the driveway wearing clothing matching the description of the suspect in the second robbery. The suspect was detained, and evidence related to the robbery was recovered from his person. During the investigation, detectives also located evidence linking the suspect to the first robbery.
Ashford was arrested and charged with two counts of Simple Robbery.
Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau praised the efforts, stating, “𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬, 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘣𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘚𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘛𝘗𝘚𝘖 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴. 𝘐𝘧 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘦. 𝘘𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦.”
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
February 10, 2026
Altercation at Lee Rd. Jr. High School Leads to Arrest
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office reports that 21-year-old Kameron Hossley has been arrested following an altercation that occurred after a youth basketball game at Lee Road Junior High School in St. Tammany.
On Thursday, (February 5, 2026) spectators were leaving a youth recreational basketball game at Lee Road Junior High School when a physical altercation broke out between two adult men as they exited the gym. During the incident, one man was struck multiple times in the face and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The second individual left the scene and could not be located at the time.
Following an investigation, deputies with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s 4th Criminal Patrol District obtained an arrest warrant for Hossley for one count of Second-Degree Battery. Hossley later turned himself in and was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on February 10, 2026
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that youth sporting events should remain safe, family-friendly environments, and violence will not be tolerated.
Letlow Announces Washington Parish Office Hours
Tomorrow (February 11, 2026), Congresswoman Letlow's district staff will be holding satellite office hours in Washington Parish to assist constituents with casework issues. Any Washington Parish resident who is facing issues with a federal agency - such as the IRS, VA, or Social Security - is invited to attend and receive specialized assistance.
BOGALUSA OFFICE HOURS
Wednesday, February 11
10:30 am-11:30 am CT
Washington Parish Sheriff's Office
302 Masonic Drive, Bogalusa, LA 70427
FRANKLINTON OFFICE HOURS
Wednesday, February 11
2:00 pm-3:00 pm CT
Franklinton City Hall
301 11th Avenue, Franklinton, LA 7043
Jail Death in Amite Under Investigation
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an inmate at the jail Monday evening.
Around 5 p.m. on February 9, 2026, inmate Ernest Holden, age 65, was found dead in bed in a medical observation area of the facility where he had been receiving treatment for abdominal pain since Sunday. Holden had been in jail since December following a drug arrest by Hammond PD.
The TPSO Criminal Investigations Division is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this death, which will include an autopsy to determine the cause.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
February 09, 2026
Slidell Man Arrested On Charges Related to Child Sexual Exploitation
In January, 2026, the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit (LSP/SVU), working in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Covington Police Department concluded a multi-week investigation into child exploitation in St. Tammany Parish. The operation concluded with the arrest on February 6, 2026 of 42-year-old Joshua W. Dugger of Slidell. LSP reports that Dugger sent sexually explicit conversations with whom he believed to be a 15-year-old minor.
Dugger was arrested at his residence and charged with Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, and Child Grooming. Dugger was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center. This case remains under investigation.
This investigation highlights the continued collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in combating sexual crimes that threaten the safety of Louisiana children.
The Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit works to rescue and seek justice for victims of child exploitation and human trafficking through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as public education. The public plays a crucial role in identifying suspects and reporting criminal or suspicious activity. An anonymous reporting form is available online at http://la-safe.org/ by clicking the “Suspicious Activity” link. Your vigilance helps protect vulnerable members of our communities and supports the fight against exploitation and trafficking.
This Week in Louisiana Agriculture
From community rodeos to preserving Louisiana traditions, this week’s episode covers the people and stories shaping agriculture across the state. In this week's show, Josh Meeks takes us to Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles to see this year’s BRODEO, a rodeo created especially for special needs children. Neil Melancon introduces us to one man working to preserve cypress pirogues and the history tied to them. Karl Wiggers takes us to Vermilion Parish and shows us how grassroots involvement allows Aaron Lee to continue farming some of Louisiana’s most iconic commodities. Plus, we look ahead to the 83rd Southern University Livestock and Poultry Show and the warmth Winter Storm Fern left behind in a heartwarming TWILA Boost.
LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message
Amaryllises Can Provide Lovely Flowers Now and in the Landscape
My mother gave me an amaryllis bulb for Christmas this past year. The plant is flowering beautifully next to my west-facing window. It has several blooms right now, and it looks like there will be more before this year’s show is over.
At the same time, a couple of amaryllis plants that Mom gave me in previous years are in the ground in my perennials bed. They had green leaves until the current stretch of hard freezes began. I just planted one in the ground last spring, so it hasn’t bloomed in the landscape yet. I planted the other one in 2024, and it flowered in early April last year, before the Easter lilies and giant plume ginger. I plan to add my new amaryllis to the bed this spring, after the last hard freeze.
What we most often call amaryllises are plants in the Hippeastrum genus. There is an Amaryllis genus, but those species aren’t commonly grown here. Hippeastrum plants are descendants of ones in South and Central America, while true Amaryllis species are from South Africa. All of these are in the amaryllis family.
After amaryllis plants growing indoors have finished flowering, cut off the flower stalk, but allow the leaves to die back naturally. To grow them in the landscape, plant bulbs in a site with full sun to partial shade and good drainage. If you don’t have an in-ground spot that fits these criteria, you can plant them in containers.
Don’t plant amaryllis bulbs too deeply. Place them so that the narrow part at the top of the bulb is above the soil. In parts of Louisiana that get cold enough to be in USDA Hardiness Zone 8, about 3 inches of mulch can be spread over the bulbs during the winter to protect them.
You can fertilize amaryllis plants after they finish flowering.
Since amaryllis bulbs like the ones I have are sold largely for flowering indoors, I suspect that there is a good deal of variation in terms of how well they survive in the landscape and how much they spread. If you’re looking for something that survives reliably and spreads vigorously outdoors, you might consider the one that’s often called St. Joseph’s lily or hardy amaryllis (Hippeastrum x johnsonii). It has red flowers with white stripes and has been around since the late 1700s. It’s one of the most cold hardy Hippeastrum hybrids, surviving temperatures as low or lower than those found in USDA Hardiness Zone 7.
Let me know if you have questions.
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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, 985-277-1850 (Hammond), or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).
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February 06, 2026
Marrio Haynes, Jr. - Caught in Kentwood - Gets Life Plus 60 Years Sentence for 2023 Lacombe Ambush Murder
District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on Monday, February 2, 2026, 27-year-old Marrio Haynes, Jr. of Covington, Louisiana was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 60 years following his conviction for the 2023 murder of 23-year-old Juwarren Martin. The sentencing took place in Division J before the Honorable Vincent J. Lobello.
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In a packed courtroom, Judge Lobello handed down the following sentences:
- Second Degree Murder – Life imprisonment at hard labor without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.
- Obstruction of Justice – 40 years at hard labor.
- Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies – 20 years at hard labor.
Judge Lobello ordered the sentences for Counts 2 and 3 to run consecutively to the life sentence, effectively totaling Life plus 60 years. During the proceedings, Judge Lobello addressed Haynes directly, stating, “You have zero remorse for what you did. It was the most cowardly act that I’ve seen.”
The sentencing was marked by emotional testimony from the family of Juwarren Martin. One family member spoke to the lasting void left by the defendant’s actions, noting that Martin’s son must now grow up without a father. “You’re a coward,” the family member told the defendant. “Your life had potential and you threw that away – nobody else but you.” Another family member also addressed the court, expressing her disdain for the defendant’s lack of sympathy throughout the trial. Haynes declined to make a statement before the court.
The sentencing follows a guilty verdict returned by a St. Tammany Parish jury on January 8, 2026. The evidence presented at trial by Assistant District Attorneys Tiffany Dover and Shelby Stoop detailed a “deadly ambush” on December 26, 2023.
Following a verbal grievance involving Haynes’ girlfriend, Megan Ayanna Coleman, and the victim’s sister, Haynes sought out Martin at a gas station in Lacombe. Armed with an AR-15 style rifle, Haynes approached Martin from behind and fired a single fatal shot into his torso. Haynes, a previously convicted felon, was later apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service in Kentwood, Louisiana.
“Today’s sentence ensures that Mr. Haynes will never again be a threat to the peace and safety of our community,” said District Attorney Collin Sims. “This was a calculated, cold-blooded execution of a young man. While no amount of time can return Juwarren to his family, we hope this life sentence provides them with the justice they deserve. My office remains committed to holding violent offenders fully accountable for their actions.”
The co-defendant in this matter, Megan Ayanna Coleman, is charged with Principal to Second Degree Murder and Obstruction of Justice. Her trial is scheduled to begin in April 2026. She is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Independence Man Arrested for Inappropriate Relationship with a Juvenile
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) reports the February 5, 2026 arrest of 47-year-old Chad Basso, an Independence man, for having an inappropriate relationship with a teenager. Basso was booked on one count of Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile.
In the past few days, TPSO was alerted to allegations of sexual abuse involving Basso. Detectives determined that Basso met an individual online last year who was actually a 15-year-old from Tangipahoa Parish. Basso was an area school teacher at the time, but the teen is not a student at the school where Basso is employed.
The investigation confirmed Basso and the teen eventually met in person and had a sexual relationship including interactions at Basso’s home. A warrant was then issued for Basso’s arrest and he was taken into custody.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
This investigation is still ongoing and includes the full cooperation of the Tangipahoa Parish School System.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages parents to closely and consistently monitor their children’s activities and conversations on the internet, especially on social media.
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February 05, 2026
WPSS Invites Homeschoolers to Take Leap!
The Washington Parish School System invites homeschool students to participate in LEAP testing
this year!
To sign up, contact the school within your district by March 2, 2026 if you would like your child to participate.
If you have questions, please reach out to your local school for additional details.
Louisiana's New Closed Party Primaries
One Dead, Several Injured in Hammond-Area Crash
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office reports that 30-year-old Maricia Casnave of Lacombe has been identified as the victim of a fatal crash with multiple additional injuries that occurred in the Hammond area last week. Just after 7 p.m. on Thursday (January 29, 2026), TPSO was notified of a one-vehicle crash at the traffic circle on North Hoover Road and Sisters Road.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2011 Toyota Camry was traveling south on North Hoover when it entered the roundabout at Sisters Road at a high rate of speed. The vehicle lost control, traveling into the yard of a business, where it hit a tree. Casnave, the front seat passenger, was not wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene. Four other people in the vehicle, including a juvenile, were all unrestrained and were hospitalized with various levels of injuries. Two remain hospitalized today (February 5, 2026).
This investigation is ongoing pending possible criminal charges. The TPSO is asking anyone with information about this incident, who witnessed the crash or who stopped to help at the scene, to contact detectives at 985-748-8147 ext. 2081.
The TPSO wants to remind all drivers that while not all crashes are survivable, wearing seat belts correctly can be the difference between life and death and can significantly reduce the severity of injuries sustained in a crash.
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February 04, 2026
Fire Safety Reminder for Washington Parish
February 4, 2026 Burning Memo - Fire Safety Conditions
We are currently experiencing very dry conditions, and much of the vegetation across Washington Parish is dormant and highly combustible. With seasonal dry vegetation and windy conditions, outdoor burning poses a serious risk. Just this past weekend, our parish responded to three separate fires. Forecasts also show little to no chance of rain over the next several days, which will only increase the danger. We strongly urge residents to be mindful of these conditions and to avoid burning at this time. A single spark can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. Please help us protect lives, property, and our first responders by using extra caution during this dry period.
Washington Parish President
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
February 03, 2026
Warrants Issued for Amite Narcotics Suspect
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a suspected drug dealer following a joint operation this week that uncovered numerous deadly narcotics as well as weapons.
Ledeven “Phat” Edwards, age 35, is currently wanted on three counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II narcotics and one count each of Possession of Schedule I narcotics, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Weapons While in Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS), Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Creation/Operation of a Clandestine Lab, and Resisting an Officer.
Following months of investigating, TPSO Narcotics detectives, assisted by the Hammond Police Department and the DEA’s Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (F.O.R.T.), conducted a search warrant at a home on James Road in Amite where Edwards was confirmed to have been selling Fentanyl, Meth, Marijuana, and various prescription pills.
That search turned up fentanyl, marijuana and evidence of drug production and distribution. In addition, detectives found a semi-automatic gun with a 90-round drum magazine as well as a 30-round magazine for a different weapon not on site at the time of this operation.
Edwards is a convicted felon and is considered armed and dangerous. If you know where Edwards is, please contact our Criminal Investigations Office at 985-902-2088. If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through 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! Tips submitted directly through Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩, 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝
Reported by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office
“𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙗𝙤𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮'𝙧𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤... 𝙮𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣"
That line came from a message we received from a local citizen who wanted to make sure two deputies were recognized after rescuing him and two others during dangerous conditions on the water.
In his message, he described how on Saturday morning his boat’s anchor slipped while duck hunting, causing the vessel to drift nearly two miles away away from them while they were in the marsh. With temperatures well below freezing, strong winds around 25 mph, and rough water, the three hunters were left stranded in a marshy area and facing the very real threat of exposure.
He went on to say the deputies who responded were “covered in ice head to toe” and that he didn’t feel he got the chance to properly thank them for stepping in without hesitation.
Saturday morning around 8:30 a.m., Deputy Joey Schwindling of our Marine Division was dispatched to the Goose Point area of Lacombe. Deputy Schwindling deployed a Sheriff’s Office mud boat, despite being covered in water and ice from the rough waves, he safely rescued all three individuals, bringing them out of the dangerous conditions.
After the hunters were safe, Deputy Schwindling and Sergeant Jared Mire returned to the area and retrieved the unmanned boat, returning it to its owners.
Because when conditions are at their worst, service doesn’t stop.
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