August 11, 2025
Deceased Shooting Victim Found in Vehicle Near Amite
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is asking for the public’s assistance in its investigation of a body found in a vehicle in the Amite area over the weekend. Around 3:15 a.m. on Sunday (August 10, 2025), TPSO received a call about a vehicle crash on Bennett Road. When deputies arrived, they found a vehicle in a ditch with a black male inside who had been shot to death. The identification of the victim is pending an autopsy.
While detectives are continuing their investigative process, the TPSO is reaching out to the public for help with the case.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information 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 shared directly through Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Northeast wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1pm and 4pm. High near 89. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind. .
Wednesday A 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10am. High near 90. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Tropical Disturbances Today
(shown left to right below) (low chances of development shown in yellow, high chances in red)
Disturbance 1. Northwestern Atlantic: A non-tropical area of low pressure is currently located a few hundred miles to the south-southeast of Nova Scotia, Canada. This system is drifting over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream where some tropical or subtropical development could occur over the next day or two. By the middle of this week, the system is expected to move northward over cooler waters, ending its changes for further tropical development. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...10 percent.
Disturbance 2. Central Atlantic (AL96): A weak trough of low pressure is located over the central Atlantic. Significant development of this system is becoming unlikely over the next few days as the system drifts generally northward, remaining over the central Atlantic. * Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...10 percent.
Disturbance 3. Eastern Tropical Atlantic (AL97): This system continues to show signs of organization with a well-defined area of low pressure located just to the west of the Cabo Verde Islands. The system is likely to become a tropical depression or storm, possibly as soon as later this morning. The system is expected to continue moving westward to west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic. Formation chance through 48 hours...high...90 percent and formation chance through 7 days...high...90 percent.
August 10, 2025
TPSO's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Makes Another Arrest
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force has arrested 32 year-old Aaron Jiles of Ponchatoula on 60 counts of Pornography Involving Juveniles Under the Age of 13.
Last month, the TPSO ICAC Unit started investigating the uploading of Child Sexual Assault Materials (CSAM) on a social media platform. Detectives determined Jiles was the individual publishing the content and obtained a warrant for his arrest.
This week, Jiles was taken into custody and, after analysis of his devices, booked on the number of charges listed above.
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.
The TPSO would like to thank the Ponchatoula Police Department for assisting with this case.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Recently Terminated Washington Parish Deputy Sheriff Arrested for Impersonating Peace Officer
Saturday (August 9, 2025) afternoon, 21 year-old Sebastion L. Rogers was arrested after a Firefighter from WPFD5 observed him using flashing lights and sirens to pass vehicles while traveling south on LA-21 on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
After observing the black F-150 pass several vehicles with lights and sirens, including at least two 18-wheelers, the Firefighter called his peers in neighboring districts and WPSO and confirmed that the truck did not belong to any of those jurisdictions. He later confirmed through contacts in Mississippi that the truck was being leased to Rogers by a volunteer Firefighter in MS, who had not removed the lights and sirens.
The Firefighter informed WPSO of the incident, and investigators located Rogers and the truck near Stuarts Café, in Angie. After questioning, Rogers was arrested and charged with False Personation of a Peace Officer or Firefighter and Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, based on his statements and statements from witnesses to the incident.
Bond has been set at $7500.00.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 9, 2025
Sebastion Rogers (age 21 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Impersonating a Police
Officer and Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Bryan Baham (age 46 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse/Pregnant Woman, Contributing to the Endangerment of a Minor, and Resisting a Police Officer with Force or Violence by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Harleigh Adams (age 23 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tropical Disturbances Today
Disturbance 1. Eastern Tropical Atlantic (AL97): A tropical wave (shown in red) is located just to the southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands. Environmental conditions appear conducive for further development of this system, and a tropical depression is likely to form by the middle to latter portion of this week while moving west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...30 percent and formation chance through 7 days...high...80 percent.
Disturbance 2. Central Atlantic (AL96): A trough of low pressure (shown in yellow) is located over the central tropical Atlantic. Development of this system should be slow to occur during the next couple of days due to surrounding dry air, but some gradual development is possible during the middle part of this week while the system moves northward over the central Atlantic. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...20 percent.
August 09, 2025
Persons of Interest Sought in Tangipahoa Parish Violent Crimes
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) needs the public’s help identifying and locating three persons of interest believed to be connected to a series of recent violent crimes including one involving rifles.
On Thursday (August 7, 2025), TPSO began receiving reports about a vehicle crash at a gas station on Wardline Road in Hammond. Callers reported that, following the crash, three black males ran from the vehicle with what appeared to be “machine guns.”
During the subsequent investigation, TPSO detectives learned the vehicle had been stolen from the Independence area a year ago. Upon review of the gas station’s surveillance video, it was discovered one of the individuals actually left one of the weapons, an AR pistol, in the store’s outdoor Reddy Ice Machines. An inventory of the vehicle found drugs and firearm accessories. Detectives have determined some or all of these individuals may also be involved in a shots-fired incident from last month in the Independence area.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information who these individuals are, and/or their whereabouts, to contact the Criminal Investigations Office at 985-402-2088.
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 to Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 8, 2025
Deborah Thomas (age 57 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of
Schedule IV Drugs and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $10000.00 bond.
Darryl Powell (age 52 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction (2 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Duane Whitney (age 44 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 93. East wind around 5 mph.
Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 73. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Northeast wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tropical Disturbances Today
Disturbance 1. Central Atlantic (AL96): Development of a tropical wave over the central tropical Atlantic appears unlikely during the next day or two due to surrounding dry air, but some gradual development is possible during the early or middle part of next week while the system moves northwestward to northward across the central Atlantic. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...20 percent.
Disturbance 2. Eastern Tropical Atlantic: A tropical wave has now emerged offshore the west coast of Africa. Environmental conditions appear favorable for gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression could form by the middle to latter portion of next week while it moves west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...40 percent.
August 08, 2025
Mandeville Man Arrested after Drugs Found with Juvenile in Car
Lane Roberts, age 21 and of Mandeville, was arrested August 1, 2025 after he was found with more than 2 pounds of weed and illegal vapes and edibles while driving with his 6-year-old sibling in the car. Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Narcotics Division and the STPSO Proactive Enforcement Unit arrested Roberts at a Mandeville-area carwash.
At the time of his arrest, Roberts was found to be in possession of more than two pounds of marijuana, more than 100 THC Vapes and THC edibles. He also had his 6-year-old sibling in the car with him.
Detectives executed a search warrant at his residence in the 400 block of Forest Loop in Mandeville and located and seized a substantial inventory of illegal drugs, a large amount of cash, drug paraphernalia associated with the packaging and distribution of illegal drugs and a semi-automatic handgun.
In total, the investigation led to the seizure of approximately 745 pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, approximately 700 THC electronic smoking devices (THC Vapes), approximately 3.25 pounds of THC crumble (THC concentrate), approximately 1.2 ounces of THC Rosin (THC concentrate), approximately 480 dosage unit THC edibles (THC gummies), approximately 5.52 pounds of raw marijuana, approximately 1 pound (439.4 grams) of THCA crystals in THC Resin (High THC concentrate), $81,249 in suspected drug proceeds, Glock model 19 9mm pistol, and an assortment of drug paraphernalia.
Roberts was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on numerous illegal narcotics offenses and the offense of Illegal Carry of Weapons.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Student, Parent Charged for BB Gun on Loranger School Property
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has charged a 10 year-old Loranger Middle School student, and their parent, for having a gun on school property this morning (August 8, 2025).
The 10 year-old was booked into Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center on one count of Carrying a Firearm or Dangerous Weapon by a Student on School Property as well as one count of Terrorizing. The parent, 35 year-old Kristin Hutchinson, has been charged with one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles and one count of Improper Supervision of a Minor.
Around 7:15 a.m., as the student was arriving to school in the car line, multiple school officials and other families in line reported seeing the child waving a gun out the window of the car and pointing the gun toward at least one other vehicle in line. The student was promptly removed from the vehicle and kept outside the building while the weapon, confirmed as a BB gun, was confiscated. A TPSO School Resource Officer, on campus at the time of the incident, began conducting an immediate investigation including questioning of the student and Hutchinson, the adult operating the vehicle. Following additional investigation by the TPSO Juvenile Division, charges were filed against both the student and the mother. Throughout the investigation, the morning car line process continued without further incident and the school day began as usual.
“Unfortunately, day one, hour one of the first day of the school year, we find ourselves setting the tone of zero tolerance for threats, perceived or actual, in our schools,” said Sheriff Gerald Sticker, “Weapons are not toys and playfully displaying or pointing weapons, anywhere, is not a game. Regardless of the circumstances, a gun on a school campus is illegal, dangerous, and frightening and we will hold anyone accountable who violates the safety of our schools and communities.”
As a reminder, you can share information about crimes, suspicious or even concerning activities, in our schools 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 can provide this information anonymously.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 7, 2025
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, Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, and Failure to Comply With Sex Offender Registration. No bond set at this time.
Jimmie Warren (age 49 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Tevin Davis (age 31 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court, Simple Burglary, and Theft of Firearm by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
David Jones (age 41 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000 and Criminal Damage to Property Under 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
AG Murrill's LBI Arrests Covington man for Sexual Abuse of an Animal and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
On August 7, 2025, Agents with Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested Joshua Frank, age 31 and a resident of Covington, on the charges of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (Felony) - 5 Counts and Sexual Abuse of an Animal (Felony) - 1 Count.
Agents initially got a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
This arrest was a result of a joint investigation with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation Cyber Crime Unit and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Frank was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Kentwood-area Man Arrested After Report of Dangerous Vehicle Chase
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has arrested Johnathan Newman, age 40 and from the Kentwood area, and booked him on the charges of Stalking, Reckless Operation of a Vehicle, and Obstructing Highways of Commerce.
Earlier this week, a woman reported driving along Highway 38 in the Kentwood area when she came across a vehicle parked across both lanes of the road. When she stopped, she reported that a man exited the vehicle and began walking toward her. When she backed up and turned around to drive back the way she came, he got into his vehicle and began chasing her. The woman reported the pursuit pushed her to speeds in excess of 100 mph to try to avoid the man crashing into her. The victim was eventually able to escape the pursuit and contacted TPSO.
Through the investigation, Newman, who has no association with the victim, was identified as the suspect. He was taken into custody the next day.
This investigation is ongoing as deputies look into other similar claims in the area. If you have a recent experience like this in the Kentwood area, contact TPSO’s Criminal Investigations Division at 985-345-6150.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Pike County SO Reports Capture of Escaped Fugitive
Sources: Pike County Sheriff's Office and The Daily Leader
Authorities have successfully apprehended 20 year-old Kriston Ramsey, an escaped fugitive who was on the run in the Lake Dixie Springs area while transitioning from Pike County MS into Lincoln County MS custody.
According to Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Rushing, Pike County Sheriff’s Office served a Lincoln County warrant Thursday (August 7, 2025) on Ramsey for failure to appear in Drug Court. When a Pike deputy met a Lincoln deputy at the county line on Hwy. 51 to transfer the prisoner, Ramsey bolted into the woods in Pike County. After a two-hour search involving the Pike County K9 unit “CHOPPA” and Drone Team and a heicopter, Ramsey was captured in the lake itself. Ramsey has been booked into the Lincoln County Jail and is facing additional charges.
The PCSO noted, “We are grateful for all the agencies that responded and contributed to a quick resolution. Their teamwork and dedication ensured the safety of the community.
WPSO Sgt. John O’Hern receives Bob Buckley Award at LSA Convention
Source: Press Release from the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office
Last week, Washington Parish Deputy Sheriff Sgt. John O’Hern was presented with the Bob Buckley
Award by the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association during their annual conference in Destin, Florida.
Each year, the Bob Buckley Award is presented to Louisiana Deputies for critical injury or death that occurs in the line of duty. Last May, Sgt. O’Hern was severely wounded after being hit head-on by an impaired driver who he was attempting to locate.
Click here for more about this Officer
After receiving a call from a concerned motorist stating that an impaired driver was speeding toward the town of Franklinton from Folsom, Sgt. O’Hern jumped into action and headed south on LA-25 to intercept the vehicle before he caused serious harm to himself or other drivers.
The impaired driver crossed the center line and struck Sgt. O’Hern head-on at a high rate of speed, mangling his vehicle. In what can only be described as a miracle, both Sgt. O’Hern and the impaired driver survived the accident, but not without injury.
Sgt. O’Hern suffered from a shattered pelvis, busted knees, shaved femur, and bruises across most of his body. The impact completely destroyed the Tahoe he was driving, and he hit the steering wheel so hard that it was bent backward from the force. He was in the hospital for approximately ten days, undergoing multiple surgeries to reconstruct his pelvic socket. The high-risk surgeries were a success, and within days, John was able to begin physical therapy and his long road to recovery.
A year later, Sgt. O’Hern is finally walking without a cane and has fully returned to his duties as a Deputy Sheriff of Washington Parish, where he serves as a victims advocate and investigator of crimes against children and sexual abuse. He recently took the initiative to head up a strenuous grant application that would bring a modern Digital Forensics Lab to the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, vastly improving our ability to bring swift justice in heinous crimes that involve digital evidence.
Thank you to the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association for recognizing the sacrifices and courage of Sgt. O’Hern, and we are honored to call him one of our own.
From left to right in first picture: LSA Director Kevin Cobb, Sgt. John O’Hern, Sheriff Jason Smith, and LSA Deputy Executive Director Gary Bennet.
Washington Parish Free Fair Advance Ticket Sales
The Mighty Thomas Carnival will provide the midway for the 2025 Washington Parish Free Fair in Franklinton, Louisiana, on October 15- 19, 2025.
Advance tickets will go on sale beginning Monday, September 22, 2025. A sheet of 40 tickets will be sold for $25.00. Once the fair starts, 30 tickets will cost $27.00 and single tickets will cost $1.00 each at the carnival ticket box. If you purchase tickets in advance your savings will be 40%. Tickets will be available each day during regular business hours through Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
The advance tickets will be available at the
- MAGEE FINANCIAL OFFICES in Franklinton, Bogalusa, Covington, Kentwood, and at
- HANCOCK WHITNEY BANK in Franklinton and Bogalusa; also at
- PARISH CREDIT in Franklinton.
Thursday, October 16th and Saturday, October 18th will be PAY-ONE-PRICE Mid-Way Days and each Arm Band will cost $25.00 (CASH ONLY) !! The PAY-ONE- PRICE arm bands can be purchased beginning at 10am on those days and can be used until 4pm only on the day purchased. They can only be purchased on the Midway at the fairgrounds.
The Fair and Midway will be open on Sunday, October 19, 2025 starting at 11:00 am until we close.
For more information, call James Magruder - (985) 515-0688
Click here for their Facebook page and all the latest!
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tropical Disturbances Today
Disturbance 1. Off the Southeastern United States: A weak area of low pressure is located a couple of hundred miles off the coast of North Carolina. Development of this system, if any, is expected to be slow to occur over the next day or two while it moves northeastward at 10 to 15 mph. The low is likely to merge with a front over the weekend, ending its chances for tropical or subtropical development. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...10 percent.
Disturbance 2. Central Atlantic (AL96): A tropical wave is over the central tropical Atlantic. Development of this system appears unlikely during the next day or two due to surrounding dry air, but environmental conditions are forecast to become more conducive in a few days. A tropical depression could form during the early or middle part of next week while the system moves northwestward to northward across the central tropical and subtropical Atlantic. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...50 percent
.
August 07, 2025
Anonymous Tip Leads to Drug Arrests in Slidell
After receiving an anonymous tip via the STPSO website concerning drug activity at a residence in the 50000 block of Lillian Road in Slidell, detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division executed a search warrant at the home on July 29, 2025.
While searching the residence, detectives located and seized cocaine; 11 total pounds of marijuana; a variety of THC edibles; hydrocodone, methylphenidate and alprazolam pills; a semi-automatic handgun; $3,342 in cash; and an assortment of drug paraphernalia indicative of street level drug distribution.
Three residents of the home, 65 year-old Charles Garcia, 53 year-old Dawn Frey, and 18 year-old Isabella Evans, were arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on numerous charges.
“Our residents continue to send the message they will not tolerate drugs and guns being sold in their neighborhoods. Thank you to the concerned citizen who provided this tip and to all of our citizens who continue to call us when they see or hear something suspicious,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “Keeping drugs out our neighborhoods is a partnership between law enforcement and our residents. We are blessed to live and serve in an area that respects, appreciates and works with law enforcement.”
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), or by calling the narcotics tip line (1-888-GO-2-JAIL).
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 6, 2025
Craig Cockburn (age 53 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Yield Left,
Driving While Intoxicated, and First Degree Negligent Vehicular Injuring by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Cody Crawford (age 43 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Entry/Remain on Premises After Being Forbidden by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Damien Greely (age 45 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting an Officer, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Obstruction of Justice/Evidence Tampering, No Tail Light on Bicycle, and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Tammy Rasberry (age 46 with Franklinton, 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 presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Friday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 72. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tropical Disturbances Today
(shown left to right below)
Disturbance 1. Off the Southeastern United States: A weak area of low pressure is located a couple of hundred miles off the coast of the southeastern United States. Some slow tropical or subtropical development is possible over the weekend while the system moves northward to northeastward, remaining well off the east coast of the United States. By early next week, the low is expected to become extratropical, ending its chances for tropical development. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...30 percent.
Disturbance 2. Tropical Storm Dexter is way out there, moving away from the U.S., and there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Disturbance 3. Central Tropical Atlantic (AL96): A tropical wave is over the central tropical Atlantic. Environmental conditions are forecast to become more conducive for gradual development in a few days, and a tropical depression could form late this weekend or early next week while the system moves west-northwestward to northwestward across the central tropical and subtropical Atlantic. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...60 percent.
August 06, 2025
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 5, 2025
Danielle Howard (age 41 with Robert, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other
Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Daimon Bush (age 42 with Abita Springs, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
David Bonnette (age 35 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Michaela Rodosta (age 30 with Covington, La. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) and Failure to Appear (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $6000000.00.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Amite Man Guilty of Kidnapping Resulting in Death and Transporting a Minor in Interstate Commerce to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that Daniel Wayne Callihan, age 37 and a resident of Amite, pled guilty today (August 6, 2025) before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk to a two-count Superseding Indictment charging him with kidnapping resulting in death and transporting a minor in interstate commerce with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Callihan was previously charged for his crimes in a federal complaint on June 14, 2024, and has remained in federal custody since that time.
Click here for previous related stories
“Today’s resolution ensures that Daniel Wayne Callihan, will be held accountable for his heinous and atrocious crimes,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson. “This successful prosecution is the result of the significant collaboration by local, state, and federal agencies across Louisiana and Mississippi. Their collective dedication and hard work ensured that Mr. Callihan will now face justice.”
"The FBI is committed to relentlessly pursuing violent predators and our hearts go out to the families of these victims," said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. "Every law enforcement partner who worked on this case was determined to deliver justice for the Brunett family and the people of Tangipahoa Parish. The FBI thanks the U.S. Marshals Service, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and the Jackson MS Police Department for their efforts to make sure Daniel Callihan will never do anything like this again."
According to court documents, on or about June 12, 2024, Callihan was present inside the Loranger, Louisiana residence of Adult Victim 1, who lived with her two daughters, Minor Victim 1 (a four-year-old female) and Minor Victim 2 (a six-year-old female). While present in the residence, Callihan stabbed Adult Victim 1 more than fifty times, resulting in her death. After killing Adult Victim 1, Callihan kidnapped Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 using Adult Victim 1’s 2012 Chrysler 200 automobile, bearing a Louisiana license plate, and drove to McComb, Mississippi.
Callihan, with Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 still in the car, then returned to Amite, Louisiana, where he picked up Co-Conspirator 1. Callihan then drove Adult Victim 1’s car to a residence in Jackson, Mississippi located in the 3900 block of Boozier Drive.
On either the evening of June 12, 2024, or early on June 13, 2024, Callihan and Co-Conspirator 1 engaged in sexual battery with Minor Victim 2. Callihan intended that Minor Victim 2 would engage in criminal sexual activity, namely violations of criminal laws of the State of Louisiana, including La. Rev. Stat. 14.81 and La Rev. Stat. 43.1, and the State of Mississippi, including Miss. Code § 97-3-95 and Miss. Code § 97-5-23, at the time he transported Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 from Louisiana to Mississippi.
Thereafter, on June 13, 2024, while at the Boozier Drive property, Callihan purposely suffocated Minor Victim 1 to death by holding Minor Victim 1 closely against his chest.
Later on June 13, 2024, after Adult Victim 1’s body was discovered, federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities began an investigation. The investigation determined the location of both Callihan and Adult Victim 1’s car. A search of the Boozier Drive property led to the discovery of a pit on the property. Law enforcement officers discovered Minor Victim 1’s body and Minor Victim 2 in the pit.
After being taken into custody and waiving his Miranda rights, Callihan admitted to stabbing Adult Victim 1 to death and kidnapping Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 in Adult Victim 1’s vehicle. Callihan further admitted that he and Co-Conspirator 1 transported Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 to Mississippi, where he and Co-Conspirator 1 committed sexual battery on Minor Victim 2, and he smothered Minor Victim 1 to death. Callihan's admission that he and Co-Conspirator 1 committed sexual battery on Minor Victim 2 was corroborated in a voluntary, post-Miranda statement Co-Conspirator 1 made to law enforcement authorities.
As part of the resolution of this matter, the Government has agreed that should the Court accept the defendant’s plea of guilty to the Superseding Indictment, the Government will not seek the death penalty with regard to Count One. Consequently, for Count One, Callihan faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. For Count Two, Callihan faces a mandatory minimum of (10) ten years in prison, and up to life in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. For each count, Callihan also faces at least (5) five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and the obligation to register as a sex offender.
Sentencing before Judge Africk has been scheduled for November 19, 2025. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the sentence for Count One may run either concurrent or consecutive to the sentence imposed for Count Two. Further, any sentence or portion thereof may run either concurrent or consecutive to any sentence imposed in any other jurisdiction, including, but not limited to, the 21st Judicial District Court (Louisiana), State of Louisiana v. Callihan, Case No. 2401198, and Hinds County (Mississippi) Circuit Court, State of Mississippi v. Callihan, Case No. 24-466. The terms of Callihan’s plea are not contingent upon the disposition of any case or sentence imposed in any matter pending in any other jurisdiction.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter and expressed appreciation for the great support provided by the United States Marshals Service, the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office, the Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney’s Office, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and the Jackson (Mississippi) Police Department. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson also commended the exceptional work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana Victim/Witness Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, and Sarah Dawkins, of the Violent Crime Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Slidell Man Arrested Following Narcotics Investigation
James Hart, age 37 and a Slidell resident, was arrested on July 24, 2025 by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs’ Office last month and cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine were seized as part of an investigation. Detectives with the STPSO Narcotics Division, members of the STPSO Proactive Enforcement Unit, officers with the Slidell Police Department, and agents with Homeland Security Investigations conducted an investigation at a residence in the 3000 block of Terrace Avenue in Slidell.
The investigation led to the felony arrest of Hart and the seizure of cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana and approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Illegal Guns, Stolen Vehicles, Narcotics, Cash Found at Slidell Home
Eight illegally possessed firearms, $13, 200 in cash, and three stolen vehicles were among the items located during a search of a Slidell-area residence last week (July 30, 2025).
Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, working with the Drug Enforcement Administration agents, executed a search warrant at a home in the 1400 Block of Denmark Court in Slidell. While searching the residence, detectives located and seized marijuana, THC edibles, ecstasy tablets containing methamphetamine, an assortment of drug paraphernalia and $13,200. They also located and seized eight unlawfully possessed firearms, two of which were reported stolen out of Gretna and New Orleans; and three stolen vehicles, a 2022 GMC Sierra with a swapped VIN number stolen out of Houston, a 2020 Mercedes GL stolen out of Jefferson Parish and a 2016 Mercedes G6A stolen out of New Orleans.
Arrest warrants were obtained for two other residents of the home: 45-year-old William Williams, who is currently in custody in Jefferson Parish, and 42-year-old Demetra Williams, who was taken into custody August 6, 2025.
William Williams will be booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the following charges upon his release from Jefferson Parish: Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana (felony), Possession of Firearm if Carrying Concealed Weapon by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies (felony) – 8 counts, Illegal Carry of Weapons; Crime or CDS (felony) – 8 counts, Illegal Possession of Stolen Things over $25,000 (felony)- 3 counts, Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms (felony) – 2 counts, Transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses-- (felony), Possession of Schedule II CDS - methamphetamine (Felony), Possession or Dealing in Unregistered Weapons (felony), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (misdemeanor)
Demetra Williams will be booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the following charges: Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana (felony), Possession of Firearm if Carrying Concealed Weapon by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies (felony) – 8 counts, Illegal Possession of Stolen Things over $25,000 (felony)- 3 counts, Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms (felony) – 2 counts, Transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses-- (felony), Possession of Schedule II CDS - methamphetamine (Felony), Possession or Dealing in Unregistered Weapons (felony), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (misdemeanor).
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind.
Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Thursday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Friday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Tropical Disturbances Today
(shown left to right below)
Disturbance 1. Off the Southeastern United States: A weak area of low pressure has formed from a surface trough, several hundred miles off the coast of the southeastern United States. However, development is likely to be slow to occur during the next few days. Thereafter, environmental conditions could become a little more conducive for development. A tropical depression could still form by this weekend as the low initially drifts westward before turning northward to northeastward by the weekend. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...40 percent.
Disturbance 2. Tropical Storm Dexter is moving away from the U.S. and no hazards affect land.
Disturbance 3. Central Tropical Atlantic: A tropical wave is over the eastern tropical Atlantic. Environmental conditions are forecast to be conducive for gradual development during the next few days, and a tropical depression could form late this week or over the weekend as the system moves generally west-northwestward to northwestward across the central tropical and subtropical Atlantic. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...20 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...60 percent.
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August 05, 2025
Bogalusa City Council Finance Committee Meeting - August 6, 2025
The Bogalusa City Council Finance Committee meeting on August 6, 2025 will begin at 8:30 AM. On the Agenda is the 2025 Budget and the 2022 Audit Closeout.
Bogalusa City Council Meeting - August 5, 2025
The Bogalusa City Council will meet on August 5, 2025 beginning at 5:30 PM. The Agenda includes
- Introduction of one Ordinance: An Ordinance introducing a proposed PEC change order to Project 11723.10 pertaining to bid received on July 01, 2025. $16,720 (maximum to exceed).
- Public Hearings on four previously-introduced Ordinances: 1) An Ordinance allowing the City of Bogalusa to enter into a Corporate Endeavor Agreement with Bogalusa Youth Sports for 2025 & 2026. 2) An Ordinance for Art and Historical Cultural District affiliated with the Louisiana Cultural District Programs. 3) An Ordinance to authorize the Fiscal Administrator to enter into an agreement with Civic Source Professional Services and adjudications. Civic Source will assist with delinquent tax title sale process. 4) An Ordinance to approve the Industrial Tax Exemption Program Application No. 20230024A -ITE-$20,611,584.00.
- Public Participation
- Administrative Remarks
- Council Remarks
- The next Council meeting will be held on August 19, 2025.
Carriere, MS Couple Arrested by AG Murrill's LBI for Government Benefits Fraud
The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation received a criminal referral from Louisiana Department of
Health (LDH) regarding allegations that 51-year-old Vincent and 35-year-old Elina DeLeon, of George Wise Road in Carriere, Mississippi, both Medicaid recipients, had concealed their place of residence and other information for purposes to receive Medicaid benefits.
During this investigation, LBI agents learned that in the period between March 2023 and June 2025, Vincent and Elina DeLeon presented false information by failing to accurately report their marital status, household income, and place of residence.
Agents learned the couple had moved to Mississippi approximately 2 years before their scheme was discovered. As a result, the couple defrauded the Medicaid program of more than $162,000.
On Monday (August 4, 2025), agents arrested Vincent and Elina DeLeon and the couple was booked without incident at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Both were charged with one count of Government Benefits Fraud (Felony).
"As we've seen in the last few days, whether you're in Louisiana, Mississippi, or Florida - if you defraud the hardworking taxpayers of Louisiana, we will find you and prosecute you. The days of abusing the system are over," said Attorney General Liz Murrill.
The investigation is ongoing.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Help Pike County Sheriff's Office ID These Persons
The Pike County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division is seeking assistance in identifying the individuals pictured here. They are wanted for questioning in connection with criminal activity that occurred in the area of Silver Drive.
If you have any information regarding the identity or whereabouts of these individuals, please contact the Pike County Sheriff's Office at (601) 783-6767
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Washington Parish Deputy Sheriffs at Back-to-School Bash at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Mt. Hermon
On Monday (August 4, 2025) night, District One Commander Captain Kevin Bond and Deputy First Class Mitchell Nesmith attended the first-ever back-to-school bash at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Mt. Hermon.
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As representatives of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bond and Nesmith spoke to the children in attendance about the dangers of social media and the internet, and reminded them to be themselves as they return to school this week.
“It’s a dark world that we live in nowadays. You’re going to see other kids doing things at school that are ‘trending’ or popular, but you don’t have to do something just because everyone else is doing it. Just be yourself. In our culture, we praise people for putting others down, but you can be the ones who lift others up. We all plug in our phones every night to recharge; make sure you’re plugging yourself in to the man upstairs and recharging yourself too,” Capt. Bond said.
Speaking to the parents in the audience, Pastor Saulsberry said, “YOU run your household, YOU control the cell phones, and it’s your job to be the parent as our kids go back to school. Kids these days face a lot of challenges that we didn’t have to worry about years ago. Don’t dismiss their concerns, be involved in their lives, and we can prevent a lot of the trouble before it ever gets started.”
DFC Nesmith added, “You can be the person that does the right thing, and if you see someone messing up or doing something they aren’t supposed to, tell your teachers, tell your parents, or tell us at the Sheriff’s Office. We are all here to help you and keep you safe in any way that we can.”
A big thanks goes out to Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church for inviting us out to participate in their back-to-school services and for providing school supplies for the children in attendance.
Inmate Severely Injured in Escape Attempt
The Bogalusa Police Department has reported that yesterday (August 4, 2025) afternoon, an inmate was severely injured after attempting to escape from a moving inmate transport vehicle while travelling west on LA-10. He and two other inmates were in transit to the Washington Parish Jail after court appearances in Bogalusa earlier in the day. The inmate reportedly exited the transport vehicle while moving.
The initial call to WPSO dispatchers reported that a man in an orange jumpsuit was unconscious and lying in the road near the intersection of LA-10 and Choctaw Road. After responding to the scene, EMS personnel transported the inmate to Riverside Medical Center in Franklinton and he was subsequently airlifted to North Oaks Medical Center for further treatment, where he remains in critical condition.
At this time, the inmate's name has not been released, it is unclear how the inmate was able to escape from the transport vehicle or how he sustained his injuries.
The Louisiana State Police are currently investigating the incident, and more information will be provided once it becomes available.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for August 3-4, 2025
Ashley Bordelon (age 36 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Aggravated Battery by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Nicholas Tidmore (age 24 with Mandeville, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Larry Duncan (age 38 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, Domestic Abuse Battery, Resisting an Officer, and Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment (2 counts) by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Troy Ann Hanson (age 39 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment and Battery of Infirm by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind.
Wednesday A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Thursday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Calm wind.
Tropical Disturbances Today
(shown left to right below)
Disturbance 1. Off the Southeastern United States: A weak surface trough currently located several hundred miles off the coast of the southeastern United States is expected to form an area of low pressure in a day or so. Thereafter, environmental conditions appear favorable for gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression could form by the latter portion of this week or weekend as as the low initially moves slowly westward, but turns more northward by this weekend. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...40 percent.
Disturbance 2. Tropical Storm Dexter is a bit weaker but forecast to re-intensify as a post-tropical cyclone in a couple of days. Dexter is located about 345 miles north of Bermuda and moving northeast at 12 MPH with maximum sustained winds of 40 MPH. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Disturbance 3. Central Tropical Atlantic: A tropical wave is over the far eastern tropical Atlantic. Environmental conditions are forecast to be conducive for gradual development during the next few days, and a tropical depression could form late this week or over the weekend as the system moves generally west-northwestward across the central tropical or subtropical Atlantic. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...medium...50 percent.
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