Lannie Emile McKnight
March 31, 1950 - July 22, 2023
July 25, 2023
Covington Man Sentenced to 3 Life Sentences and 634 Years in Prison
District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that on Monday (July 24, 2023), Charles Michael Folse,
II, age 36 and of Covington, was sentenced by District Judge William Burris on multiple charges involving the sexual abuse of five juveniles. Four of the victims and the mothers of those victims read their victim impact statements before the court, all asking that the Judge assure that he doesn’t get out to do this to any other children.
The defendant was then sentenced to:
· Three life sentences for three counts of aggravated rape of victims under the age of 13,
· 99 years for each of the five counts of molestation of victims under the age of 13,
· 99 years for one count of sexual battery of a victim under the age of 13 and
· 40 years for one count of molestation of a juvenile recurring during a period of more than one year.
· All sentences are to be served consecutively, without the benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.
On July 14, 2023, a St. Tammany Parish jury unanimously found Folse guilty as charged on all ten charges the defendant faced.
In June of 2019, the St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office began investigating a report of possible sexual abuse involving juveniles. The mother of one of the victims had received a call from the school the child attended. The school was concerned about the child’s behavior. When the victim was asked about it, the victim disclosed that sexual abuse by the defendant had been going on regularly for years. Family members then reached out to other young family members and four more also disclosed sexual abuse.
During trial, the jury was presented with evidence, including video of the victims’ forensic interviews, expert witness testimony as to DNA findings and medical examinations, and the defendant’s jail interview. In addition, all five victims testified and identified the defendant as their abuser.
In his closing argument to the jury, Assistant District Attorney Fred Treschwig addressed the jury with a slide that said, “EVIL.” He said that when this kind of evil is living among us – as the defendant was with the victims -- it is hard to spot. Treschwig presented a quote from two of the victim’s testimonies, “he threatened to kill me if I told,” and “he told me that if he went to jail, when he got out he would find me and hurt me.” So, “although this evil had no bloodshot eyes, horns or fangs he was relentless, predatory and out for the kill.”
Defense indicated in its closing argument that the girls had conspired and had made up the “stories” and just couldn’t get “off the train” once law enforcement got involved.
In his closing argument, Assistant District Attorney Iain Dover said that the victims had nothing to gain by coming to court and testifying through their tears, in “excruciating detail” the horrors they suffered; that they had not conspired, but all were intertwined in a “shared nightmare.”
He said that the defendant knew how to keep them each in line. One victim testified that the defendant had told her, “I’m going to do this to you so that I don’t have to do it to the others.” Dover finalized his address to the jury by saying, “The biggest, baddest and bravest people in this courtroom today aren’t the bikers, they are these five victims. Show them that they are heard, that they are protected, and they are believed. Show them something they’ve been denied – justice -- and justice for them is nothing short of sending this man to prison for the rest of his life…so that he can never hurt them again.”
Assistant District Attorneys Iain Dover and Fred Treschwig prosecuted the case.
Slidell Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Cruelty to a Juvenile
District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that on July 24, 2023, Christopher James Garretson, age 35 and of Slidell, was sentenced by District Judge Scott Gardner to 18 years in prison for the crime of cruelty to juveniles involving a victim under the age of 8. He was sentenced as a habitual offender due to two prior felony convictions. Prior to sentencing, victim impact statements were submitted to the court by the child and the child’s foster mother.
In May of 2023, a 12-person jury in St. Tammany Parish, after deliberating for just 30 minutes, unanimously found Garretson guilty.
In September of 2022, the victim, who was seven years old at the time, was hit in the face repeatedly by the defendant at a Slidell residence. During the course of the trial, the jury viewed a Children’s Advocacy video interview of the victim during which the boy told the interviewer the defendant “did this” to me, as he pointed to his face. The victim said that the defendant woke up, came into the room where he was watching TV and started hitting him “a bunch of times.”
The interview the police conducted with the defendant was played for the jury. When asked by detectives to give his version of the events, Garretson said he had woken up and found the victim sitting on the floor playing with coffee creamer. He said the victim started “lying” to him and “talking back” so he “popped him in the mouth.” He said he then “whooped his butt” with a belt. He admitted that he’d not sought medical treatment for the victim because he was “fine.” He later admitted to striking the victim two or three times, but that he wasn’t trying to “beat the shit out of him.” He admitted that the victim was putting his hands up to protect his face and was saying “stop.”
The defendant admitted during his interview, that when relatives arrived back at the house that day, they saw the injuries to the victim, secured the victim and then proceeded to beat the defendant up in retaliation. The relatives then transported the victim to a local hospital for medical treatment. The victim sustained bruising on his entire face and a busted lip that was so severe, it caused bruising on the inside of his mouth. He also had bruising on his leg.
At the trial in May, the attorney representing the defendant argued to the jury that his client was simply disciplining the child, but Assistant District Attorney Christina Fisher told the jury, “when Christopher Garretson beat his 7-year-old child repeatedly and with enough force to leave visible bruising to the child’s entire face, that is not discipline. That is cruelty.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jay Adair and Christina Fisher. The case was investigated by Detective Adam Driskell of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office. The forensic interviewer from CAC Hope House was Katie Greene.
News From Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS)
Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services (WPCHS) held its July meeting at the ADAPT Office. Dara and David Johnson with Seymore D’Fair Foundation were guest speakers. The foundation is a non-profit organization based in St. Tammany Parish. Its focus is early childhood education specializing in preadolescent drug awareness, education, and prevention. The foundation promotes “Kiki’s Red Ribbon School Celebration which is an annual drug awareness and prevention program created by the Seymore D’Fair Foundation in 2018 and coincides with the national Red Ribbon Week Campaign. The program is offered to elementary and middle schools across Louisiana to engage schools and communities in drug prevention efforts. The Foundation is also responsible for Seymore’s “Louisiana is Better with ME 100% Drug-Free” license plate. The license plate can be purchased through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. When you purchase Seymore’s Drug-Free license plate, a portion of the funds goes to Seymore’s Foundation to support drug education and drug awareness. For more information visit www.SeymoresFoundation.org.
Pictured at right: Paula Charles, WPCHS President, and Rusty Fornea, Executive Director, presents
David and Dara Johnson with a certificate of leadership. Pictured from left to right are Charles, David Johnson, Dara Johnson, and Fornea.
Attendees of the July meeting included: In-person: Rusty Fornea, Rhonda Gunnell, Shawn Singletary, Ruben Watts, Ginger Champagne, Stacy Hartzog, Jana Pounds, Wendy Castillo, Paula Charles, Dara Johnson, David Johnson, Sheila Seal, Tammy Populus, Corey Bordelon, Angela Shuckhart, and Tiffany Smith
Attendees Via Zoom: Thompson, Mignon Barnes, MSgt. Amy Thomas, Marty Hennegan, Kenisha Dicky, Valerie Vincent, Veronica Calderon, Katasha August, Demetra Dantzler, Michael Orkins, Demond Lockhart, and Kasey Lotz.
The next scheduled meeting for WPCHS will be on August 22nd at 9:30 a.m. at the ADAPT Office, 216 Memphis Street, Bogalusa. Meetings are open to the public. For more information, contact Rusty Fornea at 985-735-0160.:
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 24, 2023
Kasey Woodward (age 31 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Ashton Greely (age 24 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, Battery of a Correctional Facility Employee, Domestic Abuse Battery, Battery of Infirm, and Cruelty to Infirm by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Isaiah Daniels (age 21 with New Orleans, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation, Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment, Resisting by Flight/Aggravated Flight, Resisting Arrest by Flight, Driving Under Suspension, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction (2 counts) by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Timothy Thomas (age 44 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Flight From an Officer, Aggravated Obstruction of Commerce/Roadway, Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, Obstructing Public Passage(s), Littering, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Resisting an Officer, Criminal Trespass, Improper Lane Usage, Open Container in Vehicle, No Seat Belt, Texting While Driving, Ran Stop Sign (4 counts), Failure to Use Turn Signal (8 counts), No Proof of Insurance, Speed Unsafe for Road Conditions, Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles, and Expired License Plate by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Update on Sunday's Fatal Crash in Bogalusa – 19 Year-Old and Unborn Child Dies
On Sunday morning, July 23, 2023, shortly after 1:00 am, the Bogalusa Police Department responded to a two vehicle fatal crash near the intersection of S. Columbia Street and East 7th Street. The crash claimed the life of 19 year old Kenja Crandle, a passenger of vehicle 1, and an unborn child of vehicle 2.
The investigation suggests that a 2018 Honda Accord (Vehicle 1), driven by Charles Dyson III, was traveling North at a high rate of speed on S. Columbia Street, while a 2009 Nissan Altima (Vehicle 2), driven by Jemetria Newell, was traveling South on S. Columbia Street. For reasons that are still being investigated, the Honda Accord crossed the center line and struck the Nissan Altima.
Crandle, the front seat passenger of the Honda Accord, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. Dyson, the driver of the Honda Accord, and another occupant of the vehicle, Shamar Berry, sustained serious injuries and were transported to a medical facility. Newell, the driver of the Nissan Altima, and the other occupant, Jene Martin, also sustained serious injuries and were transported to a medical facility. Newell was near term in her pregnancy. The unborn baby later succumbed to the injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Toxicology samples were obtained and criminal charges are pending. This crash remains under investigation.
LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message
Managing Weeds in the Vegetable Garden, Part 1: Preplant Decisions
At this time of the year, many people have lost their initial enthusiasm for their spring vegetable gardens. However, some heat-tolerant vegetables can still be planted, and it won’t be long before it’s time to plant many cool-season crops.
I’ve previously written about managing diseases and insects in the vegetable garden, as well as preventing deer damage. I think it’s time to address weeds.
Weeds can cause substantial yield losses. They compete with plants for water and nutrients, reduce the amount of sunlight that gets to vegetable plants, and in some cases serve as hosts of pest insects or disease-causing organisms.
As with diseases and insects, it’s best to prevent weed problems, when possible, rather than waiting to deal with them after they’re present.
This week’s article discusses decisions made before planting that affect weed management. Future articles will address ways to kill standing weeds before planting and approaches to prevent and manage weed problems once vegetables are in the ground.
First, choose a site suitable for vegetables. It should be well-drained and receive direct sunlight for most of the day. If the site isn’t a good one for vegetables, it will be harder for them to compete with weeds.
If you haven’t taken a soil test in several years, I suggest taking one to see if adjustments need to be made to pH or nutrient levels. If lime or sulfur application is needed to raise or lower soil pH, this is best done several months before planting.
If you don’t need a large space, you might consider growing in containers or raised beds. These tend to make weed management considerably easier.
If certain weeds predominate on an in-ground site, you may be able to choose a vegetable that allows application of an herbicide that’s effective against those weeds.
If the main weed problems are grasses, you might consider growing vegetables over which you can apply a grass-selective herbicide. There are herbicides that contain sethoxydim (e.g., Bonide GrassBeater II, Fertilome Over-The-Top II Grass Killer, Hi-Yield Grass Killer, Poast) and can be used over the tops of many (though not all) broadleaf vegetables. These can’t be used over corn, since it’s a grass.
On the other hand, if the most problematic weeds are broadleaf weeds, growing corn may allow application of a broadleaf-selective herbicide such as 2,4-D. (Note that some 2,4-D products marketed to home gardeners are not labeled for use around corn, and in Louisiana, pesticide applicator certification is required to purchase concentrated 2,4-D products in quantities greater than one quart. So, it may be challenging to find a product both labeled for corn and available for purchase without pesticide applicator certification.)
If there are too many difficult-to-manage weeds in an area, it may be best to avoid planting on that site. You could leave it out of production for a season and repeatedly use an appropriate non-selective herbicide and/or repeatedly till to reduce the weed pressure in that area. A variation on this is planting a cover crop that will allow application of an herbicide effective against the most problematic weed(s).
Be sure to read the label of any herbicide you are considering using, and follow label directions if you use it.
Let me know if you have questions.
Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson is an Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter, with horticulture responsibilities in Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes. Contact Mary Helen at mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 985-277-1850 (Hammond) or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).
14 Year-Old Dead, 13 Year-Old Injured in ATV Crash Near Loranger
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office reports the death of a teenager following a ATV crash on Gliderport Road near Loranger on Monday (June 24, 2023). Chief Jimmy Travis says crash ultimately claimed the life of a 14 year old male and seriously injured a 13 year old passenger.
The initial investigation revealed the two teenagers were operating an ATV and lost control leaving the roadway. The ATV struck a culvert and several fence posts where it then ignited into flames. The mother of the deceased as well as a passerby attempted to save the 14 year old but were unable due to the extent of the fire. The mother sustained serious burns and was transported to St. Tammany Parish Hospital for treatment.
The 13 year old was transported to North Oaks Medical Center where he was taken into surgery for severe injuries. After undergoing surgery and being stabilized, he was transported to Children's Hospital where he will remain for further treatment.
The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Major Crash Investigation Team but speed is believed to be a factor. The names of the victims will not be released as they are minors.
Spotlight Pet of the Week
Meet Azriel! This boy is the next in the weekly series of Washington Parish Animal Shelter pets to be featured as “Pet of the Week”. Azriel came to us in extremely bad condition and absolutely no trust for humans. But with some time, love, and devoted care he has made a complete turn around!
Azriel is roughly 10 months old and an absolute doll! He is fabulous with children and other dogs and doesn't seem to mind cats but has not been tested. His gorgeous face is only a bonus to the amazing personality of this boy!
So stop by to meet this gorgeous hunk!
So stop by to meet this gorgeous hunk Monday through Friday 10am-4pm. The Washington Parish Animal Shelter is at 23046 YACC Road, Franklinton, Louisiana. Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Washingtonparishanimalshelter/
Tropical Disturbances Today
Disturbance 1. Near the Windward Islands (AL95): A tropical wave is located near the Windward Islands and moving quickly westward. Development of this system should be slow to occur during the next day or two before it moves into a region of unfavorable upper-level winds. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...10 percent.
Disturbance 2. Southwestern Atlantic: A weak trough of low pressure is located a few hundred miles south-southwest of Bermuda. Some gradual development of this system is possible while it moves west-northwestward towards the southeastern U.S. coast later this week and into the weekend. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent and formation chance through 7 days...low...20 percent.
Local Forecast for the Next Few Days
For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.
Today Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Wednesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
July 24, 2023
STPSO Investigating Death of 7 Year-Old Near Slidell
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 7-year-old Slidell-area boy after responding to a report of an unresponsive child on Saturday (July 22, 2023) morning. The child was transported by emergency medical personnel to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
At this time, the death appears to the be a drowning. The St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office will make a determination on the cause and manner of death.
Due to the child’s age, his name will not be provided.
The incident is still under investigation, and no additional information will be provided at this time.
“An unexpected death is always a tragedy, but even more so when it is a young child,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “My thoughts and prayers go out to this family.”
One in Custody, One on the Run – Suspects in Theft of Gold and Silver Coins in McComb Area
The Pike County MS Sheriff's Office reported today (July 24, 2023) that Crystal Hull has been apprehended and is now in the Pike County Jail. Hull and Cody Dean-Marler Pehlps, who is still on the run, were wanted following an incident on June 30, 2023 during which PCSO officers found a substantial amount of illegal narcotics along with multiple bags of precious metals, gold coins, and silver dollar coins that were believed to have been stolen from the surrounding area. Officers had responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle, the driver (identified as Phelps) fled as officers arrived, and the vehicle was left in the middle of the roadway. PCSO detectives were able to identify one of the victims a few days later, who identified some of the stolen items that were taken from a residence in McComb, MS.
When she was apprehended in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, Hull was reportedly still in possession of multiple stolen items. Hull was charged with Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by Rapids Parish Sheriff’s Office. Crystal was then extradited and transported to Pike County Jail. Bond was set at $50,000.
Cody Phelps is still currently on the run at this time. He has multiple warrants for his arrest and should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Central Dispatch at 601-783-2323, the Pike County Sheriff's Office at 601-783-6767, or Crime Stoppers at 601-869-7141.
***All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a Court of Law***
Woman Accused of Taking Vehicle for Test Drive in McComb and Failing to Return It!
The Pike County MS Sheriff's Office reported today (July 24, 2023) that Lauren Humphries-Westmoreland is now in custody for taking a vehicle for a test drive and not returning it.
On July 7, 2023, Lauren Humphreys-Westmoreland and an unidentified white male went into the Dooley's Auto Sales on Hwy 98 East, McComb, to test drive a 2014 Nissan Rogue sports utility vehicle (SUV) black in color. Later, Dooley's Auto notified the PCSO that the vehicle had not been returned.
PCSO reports today that their deputies and detectives were made aware that Lauren Humphries-Westmoreland was in Lincoln County with the stolen 2014 black Nissan Rogue. Detectives went to Lincoln County and, with assistance from Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Detectives, they were able to locate the vehicle and take Lauren into custody on Felony Taking of a Motor Vehicle. Humphries-Westmoreland is currently in the PCSO Jail on a $10,000 bond.
***All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law***
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Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 22-23, 2023
Brandon Easterling (age 39 with Sandy Hook, Ms. address) was booked on the charge of Issuing
Worthless Checks Under 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Released on $2500.00 bond.
Frank Cangelosi (age 36 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft of Firearm and Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Judd Taylor (age 36 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Tropical Disturbances Today
Disturbance 1. Tropical Storm Don is on its last legs as a Tropical Cyclone. Don is moving toward the east-northeast near 18 mph and this general motion is expected to continue until dissipation late today. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Disturbance 2. A broad area of low pressure associated with a tropical wave is located several hundred miles east of the Windward Islands. Some slow development remains possible during the next couple of days while it moves westward across the tropical Atlantic and into the eastern Caribbean Sea. Environmental conditions are expected to become unfavorable for development of this system by the middle of the week. Formation chance through 48 hours...low...20 percent and Formation chance through 7 days...low...20 percent.
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