May 21, 2020
Washington Parish Jail Bookings May 19-20, 2020
Antoine Graves was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Resisting an Officer
Justin Brown was booked on the charge of Obstruction of Justice
William Cutrer was booked on the charges of Possession of Stolen Things Under 1000, Distribution of Schedule III CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Illegal Possession of Burglary Tools, Simple Burglary, and Attachment (2 counts)
Tylina Imboden was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court, Battery of a Dating Partner, Disturbing the Peace/Loud and Abusive Language, and Resisting Arrest
Jeffrey Thomas was booked on the charges of 2nd Degree Rape (17 Counts), Aggravated Crime Against Nature, Crime Against Nature, Sexual Battery (5 counts), Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s), and Molestation of a Juvenile
Moses Myers was booked on the charges of Theft of a Motor Vehicle 1000-5000, Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, Aggravated Assault With a Firearm, and Hit and Run
Justin Brown was booked on the charge of Obstruction of Justice
William Cutrer was booked on the charges of Possession of Stolen Things Under 1000, Distribution of Schedule III CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Illegal Possession of Burglary Tools, Simple Burglary, and Attachment (2 counts)
Tylina Imboden was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court, Battery of a Dating Partner, Disturbing the Peace/Loud and Abusive Language, and Resisting Arrest
Jeffrey Thomas was booked on the charges of 2nd Degree Rape (17 Counts), Aggravated Crime Against Nature, Crime Against Nature, Sexual Battery (5 counts), Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s), and Molestation of a Juvenile
Moses Myers was booked on the charges of Theft of a Motor Vehicle 1000-5000, Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, Aggravated Assault With a Firearm, and Hit and Run
May 20, 2020
Washington Parish Court Appearance Instructions
Today (May 20, 2020), Washington Parish Court appearance instructions were provided by Rachel
Edelman, 22nd JDC Court Administrator.
“If you were scheduled to appear in Washington Parish Misdemeanor Court or had a traffic ticket date in March, April or May, 2020, please report to the 9-1-1 Building behind the Sheriff’s Office/Jail in Franklinton, Louisiana (also known as the “old Franklinton Police Department”) to get your new court date. You can report any time between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26; Wednesday, May 27; Thursday, May 28 or Friday, May 29.
If you were scheduled to appear in Washington Parish Felony Court in any of the Court divisions in March, April or May, 2020, please report to the 9-1-1 Building behind the Sheriff’s Office/Jail in Franklinton, Louisiana (also known as the “old Franklinton Police Department”) to get your new court date. You can report any time between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1; Tuesday, June 2; Wednesday, June 3; Thursday, June 4 or Friday, June 5.”
“If you were scheduled to appear in Washington Parish Misdemeanor Court or had a traffic ticket date in March, April or May, 2020, please report to the 9-1-1 Building behind the Sheriff’s Office/Jail in Franklinton, Louisiana (also known as the “old Franklinton Police Department”) to get your new court date. You can report any time between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26; Wednesday, May 27; Thursday, May 28 or Friday, May 29.
If you were scheduled to appear in Washington Parish Felony Court in any of the Court divisions in March, April or May, 2020, please report to the 9-1-1 Building behind the Sheriff’s Office/Jail in Franklinton, Louisiana (also known as the “old Franklinton Police Department”) to get your new court date. You can report any time between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1; Tuesday, June 2; Wednesday, June 3; Thursday, June 4 or Friday, June 5.”
Two Troopers Injured During Vehicle Pursuit
At approximately 2:15 am today (May 20, 2020), Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L were
dispatched to assist the Hammond Police Department with a vehicle pursuit that started within the city limits of Hammond. During the course of the pursuit, one Trooper (identified as George Baker) sustained severe injuries and another Trooper sustained minor injuries.
Hammond Police had initiated a traffic stop in the 2700 block of West Thomas Street but the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed. The officer observed the occupants throwing things out the vehicle on both sides, indicating at least two occupants. Multiple HPD officers joined the initial officer in the pursuit. As the pursuit moved outside city limits, additional agencies joined the effort. As the pursuit continued on Wardline Road west of Interstate 55, Troopers deployed a tire deflation device to disable the suspect vehicle near the intersection with Kate Street.
After successfully disabling the suspect vehicle’s tires, Troopers were retrieving the device from the roadway when they were struck by a Hammond Police unit involved in the pursuit. Both injured Troopers were transported to North Oaks Medical Center by Acadian Ambulance. One Trooper has been treated and released with minor injuries. The second Trooper remains in critical condition at this time.
After the tires were disabled, the suspect vehicle crashed on Wardline Road at its intersection with Crapanzano Road. The vehicle occupants fled the scene in an unknown direction. An investigation into the identity of the suspects is ongoing.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Chase Zaffuto, with the Hammond Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, at 985-277-5740, by the Hammond Police Department’s Facebook Page, by email at Zaffuto_CB@hammond.org or by contacting Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous tip line at 1-800-554-5245. Be part of the solution and you may be eligible for a cash reward.
Hammond Police had initiated a traffic stop in the 2700 block of West Thomas Street but the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed. The officer observed the occupants throwing things out the vehicle on both sides, indicating at least two occupants. Multiple HPD officers joined the initial officer in the pursuit. As the pursuit moved outside city limits, additional agencies joined the effort. As the pursuit continued on Wardline Road west of Interstate 55, Troopers deployed a tire deflation device to disable the suspect vehicle near the intersection with Kate Street.
After successfully disabling the suspect vehicle’s tires, Troopers were retrieving the device from the roadway when they were struck by a Hammond Police unit involved in the pursuit. Both injured Troopers were transported to North Oaks Medical Center by Acadian Ambulance. One Trooper has been treated and released with minor injuries. The second Trooper remains in critical condition at this time.
After the tires were disabled, the suspect vehicle crashed on Wardline Road at its intersection with Crapanzano Road. The vehicle occupants fled the scene in an unknown direction. An investigation into the identity of the suspects is ongoing.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Chase Zaffuto, with the Hammond Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, at 985-277-5740, by the Hammond Police Department’s Facebook Page, by email at Zaffuto_CB@hammond.org or by contacting Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous tip line at 1-800-554-5245. Be part of the solution and you may be eligible for a cash reward.
Council on Aging Updates on Hours and Services
Washington COA administrative offices are open to provide assistance by telephone from 7:30 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Face-to face assistance will be available beginning Monday, June 1, 2020 by appointment only. Please call (985)732-6869 to schedule your visit.
The Bogalusa, Franklinton, Pine and Angie Congregate Meal Sites will remain closed until Phase III of the State of Louisiana's reopening plan. Congregate site participants will continue to receive meals through our home delivered meal service. If you have questions regarding your meal delivery or have other needs, please call your Nutrition Site Manager for assistance. Site Managers are available from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. (Clara-Bogalusa Senior Center (985)732-6869; Sybil-Franklinton Senior Center (985)839-4535; Theresa-Angie Nutrition Site (985)986-4333; Dewanda-Pine Nutrition Site (985)848-2265).
Transit services are now available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to any destination located within Washington Parish. 2 day advance reservations are required and trips are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve, space available basis. Vehicle capacity is limited to three passengers per load. Riders are asked to wear a mask while on board and submit to a temperature check prior to boarding. Anyone needing transportation should call (985)732-6868 or (985)839-4535 for a reservation.
The Bogalusa, Franklinton, Pine and Angie Congregate Meal Sites will remain closed until Phase III of the State of Louisiana's reopening plan. Congregate site participants will continue to receive meals through our home delivered meal service. If you have questions regarding your meal delivery or have other needs, please call your Nutrition Site Manager for assistance. Site Managers are available from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. (Clara-Bogalusa Senior Center (985)732-6869; Sybil-Franklinton Senior Center (985)839-4535; Theresa-Angie Nutrition Site (985)986-4333; Dewanda-Pine Nutrition Site (985)848-2265).
Transit services are now available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to any destination located within Washington Parish. 2 day advance reservations are required and trips are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve, space available basis. Vehicle capacity is limited to three passengers per load. Riders are asked to wear a mask while on board and submit to a temperature check prior to boarding. Anyone needing transportation should call (985)732-6868 or (985)839-4535 for a reservation.
Senator Beth Mizell's Update on Rural Access to Broadband (SB 406)
The digital divide refers to those who are unable to access high speed internet, along with the economic and educational opportunities it provides. Closing this divide has long been a passion of mine, but the issue took a back seat to issues like taxes, legal and budget reform in previous legislative sessions.
Now, the COVID-19 crisis has made our elected officials acutely aware of the damage the digital divide causes. A recent survey by the Louisiana Department of Education found that only 66 percent of Louisiana students are accessing the internet in their homes. This finding requires immediate action to address the problem.
I have heard countless stories of students and parents in my district struggling to get online to keep up with their education. Some parishes have gotten so desperate to connect their students that they are sending out school buses with WIFI hotspots, so students can do their homework. I even opened my district office, so people can use the internet.
The business community has stepped up with actions, such as signing the Keep America Connected Pledge and providing wireless hotspots to students, but more needs to be done to remove barriers to broadband deployment and get families connected.
That’s why I introduced legislation in January to address the digital divide in rural areas of our state. Because electric cooperatives had served a similar purpose in electrifying our state’s rural areas, they seemed a natural fit to partner with the private sector to close the digital divide in those same areas.
Click here to read SB 406
But what seemed a common-sense and non-controversial bill in January, SB 406 has become a political football for opportunistic special interests. Some tried to use my legislation to increase profits rather than serving rural Louisianans. Despite this, my legislation is on its way to the full House, and it’s still laser-focused on connecting rural Louisiana.
I am committed to working with legislators across the aisle to close the digital divide in all corners of our state. I also look forward to enacting innovative, free-market solutions to address this problem, while rejecting the government- and special interest-led status quo that has stood in the way of getting our state connected.
May 19, 2020
Two Jailed, One Wanted in Pontchatoula Incident
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards reports that DaJuan Thompson was located by the Baton Rouge Police Department on May 13, 2020, booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, and moved to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on May 15, 2020. Thompson was charged with auto theft, burglary, and attempted second degree murder.DaJuan Thompson (18), Michael Carney (18) and a 17-year-old male were identified and linked to a string of vehicle burglaries, one auto theft, and for shooting at a man in The Havens Subdivision on Highway 445 in Ponchatoula on May 6, 2020.
Numerous home surveillance videos show the three subjects entering the neighborhood around midnight and immediately begin pulling on car door handles in an attempt to gain access. An alert homeowner interrupted the trio at one residence. Upon being confronted, one of the subjects fired shots upon the resident as they fled away on foot. The homeowner returned fire. The trio then located a nearby vehicle - unlocked with the keys left inside – and took as a get-away-ride. They fled at a high rate of speed heading toward Walker, LA. Later that morning, the Walker Police Department observed the stolen vehicle inside the City of Walker. As officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver increased in speed and fled from deputies. The subjects traveled recklessly at accelerated speeds into the City of Baton Rouge where the driver lost control and crashed the stolen vehicle. Two occupants were injured as a result of the crash. Detectives later learned that the third suspect was not in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Michael Carney was taken into custody, after being released from the hospital, on multiple counts of burglary and one count of second degree attempted murder.
Warrants had been obtained for the 17-year-old juvenile connected in this case.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Walker Police Department, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Baton Rouge Police Department for their assistance in the recovery of the stolen vehicle. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office also reminds residents to remain vigilant when it comes to protecting personal property. Always lock your car doors and keep valuables out of sight.
Abita Springs Man Arrested After Stand-off With Deputies
Chester Lucien Rouquette, age 36 and an Abita Springs man, was taken into custody early Sunday
(May 17, 2020) morning after a six-hour standoff with St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies.
At approximately 10:30 p.m. Saturday (May 16, 2020) deputies where dispatched to a residence on Jarrell Road near Abita Springs in reference to an altercation between a couple. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the victim and determined she had been a victim of an aggravated battery perpetrated by her boyfriend, Chester Lucien Rouquette. Deputies attempted to make contact with Rouquette at the residence, However he refused to exit the home, and it was believed he had armed himself with a gun.
After numerous attempts were made by deputies to have him exit the residence, the STPSO SWAT team was dispatched to the scene, and negotiators pleaded with Rouquette for several hours for him to come out of the residence peacefully. When Rouquette quit responding to negotiators at approximately 4:30 a.m. Sunday morning, SWAT Team members forced entry into the residence and took him into custody. A rifle was recovered during a subsequent search of the home.
Rouquette was booked on the charges of Aggravated Battery and Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms.
Sheriff Randy Smith thanked the deputies and SWAT team members who worked through the night to negotiate with this individual and achieve a peaceful resolution. “Because of the patience and handwork of all of the deputies and SWAT team members on scene, this standoff ended peacefully and without the loss of life,” Sheriff Smith said. “I applaud our deputies for their hard work and extreme patience.”
At approximately 10:30 p.m. Saturday (May 16, 2020) deputies where dispatched to a residence on Jarrell Road near Abita Springs in reference to an altercation between a couple. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the victim and determined she had been a victim of an aggravated battery perpetrated by her boyfriend, Chester Lucien Rouquette. Deputies attempted to make contact with Rouquette at the residence, However he refused to exit the home, and it was believed he had armed himself with a gun.
After numerous attempts were made by deputies to have him exit the residence, the STPSO SWAT team was dispatched to the scene, and negotiators pleaded with Rouquette for several hours for him to come out of the residence peacefully. When Rouquette quit responding to negotiators at approximately 4:30 a.m. Sunday morning, SWAT Team members forced entry into the residence and took him into custody. A rifle was recovered during a subsequent search of the home.
Rouquette was booked on the charges of Aggravated Battery and Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms.
Sheriff Randy Smith thanked the deputies and SWAT team members who worked through the night to negotiate with this individual and achieve a peaceful resolution. “Because of the patience and handwork of all of the deputies and SWAT team members on scene, this standoff ended peacefully and without the loss of life,” Sheriff Smith said. “I applaud our deputies for their hard work and extreme patience.”
Slidell Arrests Made After Woman Held Against Her Will
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested three individuals after a New Orleans-area woman was beaten and held against her will inside a Slidell-area residence Saturday (May 16, 2020).
STPSO responded at approximately 6:30 p.m. to a residence on Mallard Street in Slidell, after a woman called to report her mother had been the victim of a battery and was being held against her will by her ex-husband. Deputies arrived and observed the victim’s vehicle being driven by a female. There were several other occupants inside. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled and a short pursuit ensued. Once stopped, the driver, Alexis Dillon, and the vehicle’s two additional occupants, Cleavon Brown III and Germeiko Batiste,were detained. Dillon’s young daughter, a firearm and narcotics were also located inside the vehicle.
The victim was subsequently located at the residence, where she told deputies she had been held and beaten since the night prior. She was transported to a local hospital, where she is being treated for serious by non-life-threatening injuries.
Arrested on numerous charges were Alexis Dillon (29) of Slidell, Cleavon Brown III (30) of New Orleans, and Germeiko Batiste (36) of Slidell. DOB 11/5/90) of Slidell.
Sheriff Randy Smith applauds the hard work the deputies did on this case to not only make these arrests but to prevent this woman for further torture at the hands of these individuals. “This incident had the potential to end very badly,” Sheriff Smith said. “Thanks to the deputies on scene and the use of their training, the individuals responsible have been arrested and the victim is now getting the medical care she needs.”
STPSO responded at approximately 6:30 p.m. to a residence on Mallard Street in Slidell, after a woman called to report her mother had been the victim of a battery and was being held against her will by her ex-husband. Deputies arrived and observed the victim’s vehicle being driven by a female. There were several other occupants inside. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled and a short pursuit ensued. Once stopped, the driver, Alexis Dillon, and the vehicle’s two additional occupants, Cleavon Brown III and Germeiko Batiste,were detained. Dillon’s young daughter, a firearm and narcotics were also located inside the vehicle.
The victim was subsequently located at the residence, where she told deputies she had been held and beaten since the night prior. She was transported to a local hospital, where she is being treated for serious by non-life-threatening injuries.
Arrested on numerous charges were Alexis Dillon (29) of Slidell, Cleavon Brown III (30) of New Orleans, and Germeiko Batiste (36) of Slidell. DOB 11/5/90) of Slidell.
Sheriff Randy Smith applauds the hard work the deputies did on this case to not only make these arrests but to prevent this woman for further torture at the hands of these individuals. “This incident had the potential to end very badly,” Sheriff Smith said. “Thanks to the deputies on scene and the use of their training, the individuals responsible have been arrested and the victim is now getting the medical care she needs.”
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