Wanted in Pike County MS for Theft of Wreaths at Cemetery

Update: Pike County Sheriff's Office reported late Tuesday (December 16, 2025) evening that Angie Dillon is in custody

The Pike  County Sheriff’s Office reports that Angie Dillon is wanted in connection with the theft of wreaths that were placed at Osyka Cemetery in honor of fallen soldiers. These wreaths, meant to honor heroes, were unlawfully taken.

Dillon is wanted on the charges of Petty Larceny, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, and Receiving Stolen Property.

If you have any information about the whereabouts of Angie Dillon, please contact the Pike County Sheriff’s Office at (601) 783-6767 or Crimestoppers of South-Central Mississippi at 888-755-8810. 

Obituary

Tinie May Skiffer Magee

September 15, 1952 - December 4, 2025

Neighbor Shoots Man Who Was Attacking Girlfriend in Mandeville Area

A man was killed by a neighbor as he attacked his girlfriend in a Mandeville-area subdivision early Monday (December 15, 2025) morning.

Shortly before 3 a.m. Monday, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Richland Drive in the Greenleaves Subdivision near Mandeville in reference to gunshots and located a deceased male in a yard in the 200 block of East Richland Drive and a female suffering from apparent stab wounds.

Detectives with the STPSO Major Crimes Unit learned that the female had exited through a window of a residence and was attempting to get help from neighbors after her boyfriend attacked her inside the home. The boyfriend was attacking the female victim with a knife when a neighbor exited his residence and demanded he stop.  When the suspect refused and continued the attack his girlfriend, the neighbor fired his weapon, striking the suspect. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. The deceased suspect has been identified by St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape as 49-year-old Shawn Quinn. 

The female was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The incident is still under investigation, and no charges have been filed at this time.  

“This was a violent and extremely dangerous situation that unfolded in local neighborhood during early morning hours,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “Based on the information we have at this time, the neighbor’s actions appear to have prevented further serious injury or loss of life. Our detectives will continue to thoroughly investigate to ensure all facts are reviewed.”

23-Year-Old Slidell Man Arrested on Numerous Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

District Attorney Collin Sims announced yesterday (December 15, 2025) the arrest of 23-year-old Cameron Powell of Slidell, following a cyber tip regarding the illegal possession and dissemination of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), which led to further felony charges within the 22nd Judicial District.

On Monday, December 1, 2025, the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit (SVU) Task Force received a cyber tip from the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office involving an individual suspected of possessing and sharing CSAM in the jurisdiction. Investigators immediately acted on the information, which led to the identification of Powell.

Members of the Covington Police Department, Slidell Police Department, and the United States Homeland Security Investigations executed an arrest warrant for Powell the morning of Monday, December 15, 2025. A forensic examination of his electronic devices allegedly revealed numerous images of CSAM involving victims under the age of 13 and provided evidence that some of material was allegedly produced and distributed by Powell. During an interview, Powell allegedly admitted to possessing, producing, and distributing illegal material online.

Powell was arrested and booked on the charges of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material Involving Victims Under the Age of 13 (313 counts),  Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material Involving Victims Under the Age of 13 (3 counts), Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material Involving Victims Under the Age of 13 (3 counts), Sexual Battery Involving Juveniles Under the Age of 13 (2 counts), Molestation of a Juvenile Involving Victim Under the Age of 13 (1 count), and Video Voyeuris (1 count). 

If convicted, Powell faces a sentencing range of 25 to 99 years in prison.

District Attorney Collin Sims issued the following statement: “Prior to the establishment of the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office SVU Task Force, this offender likely would not have been arrested due to the high volume of National Center for Missing and Exploited Children tips and the limited personnel available to address them. Special thanks go to DA Investigator/Covington Police Department Detective Brian Brown, the Slidell Police Department, and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations for investigating the case and effecting the arrest.”

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or arrests are possible. This arrest is in affiliation with the Louisiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, led by Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Violent Offenses Earn Slidell Man a 35-Year Enhanced Sentence

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, a sentencing hearing was held in St. Tammany Parish for Dwight Ambo, age 35 and of Slidell. Ambo was sentenced to 35 years in the Department of Corrections without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence, following his conviction at trial for Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Ambo was convicted on August 20, 2025 of the charges of Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Second Degree Battery, and Attempted Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. 

The court found Ambo to be a second felony offender on the Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm charge, resulting in the enhanced sentence of 35 years. Ambo also received concurrent sentences of 5 years in the Department of Corrections on the charges of Attempted Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Second Degree Battery.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on July 17, 2023. Click here for the previous related article The defendant, Dwight Ambo, arrived at the home of the victim. The defendant began aggressively yelling and banging on the front door. A 13-year-old boy, the son of the victim’s girlfriend, began to open the door, and the defendant forcibly pushed his way inside the residence. Once inside, Dwight Ambo brandished a firearm and threatened to kill the victim before striking the victim in the face, breaking his nose. The defendant then fled the scene.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies who responded to the scene observed that the victim had multiple facial lacerations and was bleeding. The victim was transported to St. Tammany Parish Hospital (SMH) where he was diagnosed with a broken nose. The accounts given by the victim, his girlfriend, and her son were consistent. Video footage from the front door corroborated the accounts, showing the defendant yelling, banging on the door, and forcibly entering the home. The grip of a firearm was also visible in his pocket in the video.

Dwight Ambo was arrested a few weeks after the incident. He has an extensive criminal record including a prior conviction for manslaughter.

Assistant District Attorneys Luke Lancaster and Jason Cuccia handled the case. The case was investigated by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.

“The 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office is committed to seeking justice for victims of violent crime,” said District Attorney Collin Sims. “The lengthy sentence imposed in this case reflects the severity of Dwight Ambo’s actions and his history of criminal behavior. We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who use violence and weapons in our community.”

Obituary

Betty Jane Hatcher Edwards

May 16, 1944 - December 15, 2025

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 14-15, 2025

Alexis Delvalle (age 30 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Dating Partner by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $3500.00.

Jessica Castleberry (age 33 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery (2 counts) and Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment (5 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Dallas Magee (age 29 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Eddie Roberts (age 50 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation and Parole Hold. No bond set at this time.

Franchesca Davis (age 28 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft 1000-5000 by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $10000.00.

***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   Widespread frost before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 59. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Tonight   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Calm wind.

Wednesday   A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Patchy fog after 5pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night   A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Patchy fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Thursday   A 60 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Patchy dense fog before 11am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. 

Thursday Night   A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight. 

Franklinton Man Found Guilty of Sex Crimes and More

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on Friday, December 12, 2025, a Washington Parish jury unanimously found Lindsey M. Dykes, age 32 and of Franklinton, guilty on all four counts brought against him. The verdict was returned late Friday afternoon following a four-day trial in the courtroom of Judge William H. Burris in Division E. The defendant was immediately remanded into custody of the Washington Parish Sheriff.

Dykes was found guilty of Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile, Production of Child Pornography of a Juvenile, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon Convicted of Certain Felonies, namely attempted simple rape, and Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance, Schedule I (Marijuana).

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Zack Popovich and Le’Anne Malnar. The case was investigated through a joint effort by Detective Dana Atkins with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office (EBRSO), Agent Terrence Smith with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Detective Demi Rice with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO).

“This guilty verdict is a testament to the dedication of our Assistant District Attorneys, and the courage of the victims and witnesses who bravely came forward,” said District Attorney Collin Sims. “We are committed to seeking justice for every child victim in St. Tammany and Washington Parishes, and we will continue to hold accountable those who commit heinous crimes against the most vulnerable members of our community.”

The District Attorney’s Office will not be providing further comment on the specific details of the trial at this time to protect the sensitive nature of the case and the identities of the juvenile victims.

Sentencing for Lindsey M. Dykes has been scheduled for February 11, 2026.

Click here for previous bookings

Obituary

Bobby Don Prine

August 1, 1942 - December 13, 2025

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Sunny, with a high near 48. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Tonight   Widespread frost after 9pm. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 26. Calm wind.

Tuesday   Widespread frost before 9am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a high near 59. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Calm wind.

Wednesday   Partly sunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night   A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 13, 2025

Ledarvin Mingo (age 38 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear (4 counts) and Failure to Pay Fine (6 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Hannah Harp (age 34 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Yield/Driveway Road or Alley and Possession of Marijuana by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Justin Davis (age 37 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation and 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   Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a temperature falling to around 41 by 5pm. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph.

Tonight   Clear, with a low around 24. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Monday   Sunny, with a high near 49. Wind chill values as low as 17 early. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Monday Night   Widespread frost, mainly after 9pm. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 28. Calm wind.

Tuesday   Widespread frost before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 59. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night   Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Calm wind.

Obituary

Bryan Thomas Reames

May 16, 1952 - December 12, 2025

Press the Button on Your Smoke Alarm

Most residents are familiar with protecting the traditional “Four P’s” during cold weather, People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants. This weekend, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office is emphasizing a fifth P: Press.

Press the Button on Your Smoke Alarm

Residents are urged to press the test button on their smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly. This simple step can save lives. If the smoke alarm does not work, replace the battery or replace the unit with a newer smoke alarm that comes with 10-year sealed lithium batteries.

So far this year, 82 people have died in 63 house fires. Of those fires, only two homes had working smoke alarms.

These numbers underscore how critical it is for families to have functioning smoke alarms, especially during freezing weather when the use of heaters and other heat sources increases. A working smoke alarm gives families the critical early warning they need to get out safely.

A strong winter blast will push temperatures into the mid to upper 20s. So residents are reminded of the Five P’s:

• People - Dress in layers, check on vulnerable neighbors (elderly, children).

• Pets – Bring them inside or provide warm shelter.

• Pipes – Insulate or drip faucets to prevent freezing.

• Plants – Cover or bring sensitive plants indoors.

• Press – Press the test button on smoke alarms to ensure they are working.

Fire deaths remain high, and functioning smoke alarms are one of the most effective tools for early detection and escape.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 12, 2025

Dionte Fernandez (age 29 with Sandy Hook, Ms. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Autumn Bonnet (age 29 with Covington, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Heather McCann (age 44 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Jerry Johnson (age 38 with Folsom, La. address) was booked on the charges of No Seat Belt, Driving Under Suspension, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, Possession of Schedule III Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Otis Jupiter (age 25 with Baton Rouge, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation. No bond set at this time.

Ernest Frank (age 55 with Poplarville, Ms. address) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $2000000.00.

Jamarcus Robinson (age 30 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule IV Drugs, Prohibited Acts, Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Anna White (age 52 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear 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. Widespread dense fog, mainly before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph. 

Tonight   A 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog between midnight and 4am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 46. Light and variable wind becoming north 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday   A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a temperature falling to around 41 by 5pm. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph.

Sunday Night   Clear, with a low around 23. Wind chill values as low as 16. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Monday   Sunny, with a high near 48. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Monday Night   Widespread frost, mainly after 8pm. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 27. Calm wind.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for December 10-11, 2025

Jeffrey Harvey (age 69 with Tacoma, Wa. address) was booked on the charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Careless Operation by the Franklinton Police Department. Released on $2750.00 bond.

Lawrence Fowler (age 47 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Prohibited Acts/Schedule II and Parole Violation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5000.00.

Cedric Bolds (age 26 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Gage Anderson (age 18 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s), Computed Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Pornography Involving Juvenile(s)/4 counts, and Contributing to Delinquency of Juvenile by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jimmie Warren (age 49 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Mark Stevens (age 62 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Jonathan Langston (age 23 with Covington, La. address) was booked on the charges of Probation Violation and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.

Umeko Peters (age 36 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Cruelty to a Juvenile(s) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released December 11, 2025, no bond info shown.

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

Safe Haven Baby Box Coming to Franklinton

The Town of Franklinton is proud to support the future location of a Safe Haven Baby Box, a life saving resource that provides a safe, legal, and anonymous option for parents in crisis. These boxes are designed for newborns and allow a baby to be placed safely while immediately alerting first responders so care begins right away.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes save lives. They offer protection for infants and peace of mind for parents who may feel they have no other options. No shame. No blame. No names. Just safety, compassion, and a second chance.

This is an important step for Washington parish and a powerful reminder that caring for the most vulnerable has always been part of who we are. It takes a community to make something like this happen, and Franklinton is stepping up in a big way.

You can help bring this life saving resource to our town by donating or sharing this message. Every dollar and every share matters. Sometimes hope looks like a small box with a very big purpose. 

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