Melvin Lowe Jr., age 45 and from Franklinton was arrested for Attempted 2nd Degree Murder following an overdose investigation conducted by Franklinton Police Sgt. Trey Johnson. Sgt. Johnson determined that Melvin Lowe Jr. sold heroin to an individual who subsequently overdosed on the illegal drug.
Louisiana law includes the sale of illegal narcotics which results in the death of another individual under 2nd Degree Murder. In this instance, the drug user survived the overdose thus the charge of Attempted 2nd Degree.
Lowe was booked into the Washington Parish Jail. Bond was set at $150,000.00.
Tatum Davis (age 25 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.
Michael Hunt (age 63 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation and Possession of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts) by Probation and Parole. Bond set at $25000.00.
Jessica Strain (age 35 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.
Jamie Tobias (age 35 with Independence, La. address) was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Use of a Movable, Criminal Damage to Property Under 1000 (2 counts), Criminal Trespass, Home Invasion/Vandalism/Destruction, Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment, and Resisting an Officer/Flight on Foot by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Sam Noto (age 59 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Terrorizing by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Jennifer McDaniel (age 51 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Interim District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on March 5, 2024, a six-person jury found Kenneth Primus, age 46 and of Covington, guilty of Simple Burglary following a one-day trial.
Testimony at trial established that on February 13, 2023, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call for service at the Super 8 Motel in Covington. When officers arrived, the victim reported that while he was eating at a nearby Waffle House, someone entered his room without authorization and took various personal items of his.
In reviewing video footage from the motel’s security cameras, officers observed an unknown male entering the victim’s room empty handed and then leaving a few moments later with his arms full of the victim’s belongings. During the course of their investigation, officers were able to confirm the identity of the subject in the video to be that of the defendant, Kenneth Primus. Officers then secured a warrant for the defendant’s arrest on a charge of simple burglary. Approximately six months later, the defendant was arrested and transported to the parish jail.
During this week’s trial, defense counsel asserted the defendant was innocent as he had permission the whole time to be in the victim’s room. Prosecutors presented to the jury recordings of multiple jails calls during which the defendant and one of the witnesses can be heard trying to fabricate an excuse for why the defendant was in the victim’s motel room. On one of the calls, the defendant stated “I don’t know, I’m just reaching.” The jury heard from multiple witnesses that placed the defendant at the motel and identified him on the hotel’s video footage. The victim and other witnesses asserted no one gave the defendant permission to enter the victim’s room.
The defendant has multiple prior felony convictions and is facing up to 24 years in prison when he is sentenced, presently scheduled for March 20, 2024.
Assistant District Attorneys Taylor Nicholson and Iain Dover presented the case and Judge Scott Gardner presided over the trial.
Interim District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on Thursday March 7, 2024, a 12-person jury in St. Tammany Parish found Harold A. Butler, Jr., age 51 and of Jefferson Parish, guilty of Aggravated rape of a child and Molestation of a juvenile.
The defendant sexually assaulted multiple generations of girls, spanning decades as well as multiple parishes within the state, according to testimony elicited at trial. In August of 2017, the then 16-year-old victim of the Aggravated Rape charge reported to her boyfriend and her mother that the defendant had been abusing and raping her since she was twelve years old. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office was notified and began an investigation.
Over the course of that investigation, police detectives learned that the victim’s mother and two of her aunts had also been molested and raped by the defendant. An investigation conducted by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office revealed that in the early 1990’s, the defendant began molesting and raping the older women dating back to when they were young girls living in Jefferson Parish. This abuse started prior to each victim turning thirteen years old and continued for years. Following Hurricane Katrina, their family moved to St. Tammany Parish and settled in Mandeville. During this time, the defendant molested one of the women during her high school years, leading to the Molestation of a Juvenile charge, for which he was convicted.
Following the initial disclosure of abuse in August of 2017, the defendant fled to avoid apprehension. He stayed with a family member for a short time, then ultimately fled to Texas. Several months later, the United States Marshalls apprehended him and brought him back to Louisiana to face these charges.
During the trial, prosecutors called each victim to the stand to testify. Each victim, for the first time in years, sat face-to-face with their abuser, the defendant. Each of them testified in detail about the years of abuse and rape they suffered at his hands. The victims discussed the defendant’s sexual abuse as well as the psychological toll his abuse took on their lives. Prosecutors also presented testimony from an expert witness in Child Abuse Pediatrics. The defendant ultimately testified as well, denying that he ever abused any of the victims. However, during cross examination, the defendant was confronted with the statement that he provided to police upon his arrest in 2018, and how his testimony to the jury was wholly inconsistent with what he initially told police.
In her closing argument at the conclusion of the trial, defense counsel urged the jury to find her client not guilty. However, in closing argument for the State, Assistant District Attorney Gabrielle Hosli reminded the jury of something the defendant said in his own defense while on the witness stand, “During his testimony, the defendant told you that he is a human being. But during their childhoods, this defendant treated these women as anything but human, treating them as property that he owned, that he could do with whatever he wanted.”
After deliberations lasting approximately 90 minutes, the 12-person jury found the defendant guilty on both charges filed against him. At his sentencing scheduled for April 25, 2024, Butler will be facing a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Assistant District Attorneys Gabrielle Hosli and Zachary Popovich led the prosecution and Judge Reginald Badeaux presided over the four-day trial.
A Madisonville-area junior high student has been charged with Menacing after he wrote a “kill list” and showed it to other students before telling them he planned to bring a knife to school on Monday.
The other students did the right thing and informed a teacher. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s SRO working at the school was then contacted.
The 14-year-old boy was issued a summons for Menacing and was released on a custodial agreement to appear in court.
“We have made it very clear that comments like this will be taken seriously,” St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith said. “We will continue to work with our schools and investigate any and all threats made at our schools or to the students and faculty who attend them, and we encourage students to tell a teacher, an administrator, their SRO or another trusted adult if they hear of such comments being made.”
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U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that Kiley Kilbourne, age 50 and of Bogalusa, was sentenced on February 29, 2024 by U.S. Chief District Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown to 366 days incarceration, after previously pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute heroin. Judge Brown also imposed a three-year term of supervised release following imprisonment as well as a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to the indictment, in January 2021, Kilbourne was found to be transporting over a kilogram of heroin across state lines, from Houston, Texas into the Eastern District of Louisiana.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Louisiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
A traffic stop for a brake light violation led Covington Police to recover over 100 grams of deadly Fentanyl disguised as Adderall.
On Tuesday (March 5, 2024), shortly before 9 am, a Covington Police officer stopped a Nissan Altima for a traffic violation on Taylor Street near 26th Avenue. During the traffic stop, the officer noticed a large baggie containing what appeared to be over 200 Adderall pills sitting feet away from a 1-year-old baby. Upon further investigation, the officer discovered that the Adderall pills were counterfeit and tested positive for containing Fentanyl.
The driver of the Altima, 30 year-old Jacqueline Davenport, was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II (112 grams of Fentanyl), Possession of Schedule I (Marijuana), False Representation of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Controlled Dangerous Substances in the Presence of Persons Under 17, and Traffic Offenses. Davenport was also arrested on a Failure to Appear warrant issued by the 22nd Judicial District Court before being transported to the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.
"If you're taking a pill that your doctor didn't prescribe, you can't be certain what you are consuming," said Chief Michael Ferrell. "I am certainly proud of our officers' diligent work putting away individuals who peddle this poison within our community."
In addition to proactive enforcement, the public plays a vital role in identifying suspects involved in criminal or suspicious activity. CPD's online reporting system is available at https://www.covla.com/tips
Jimmerious Smith (age 18 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated
Criminal Damage to Property, Tampering With Sign Identifying a Firearm-Free Zone, Illegal Carrying and Discharge of Weapon, and Attempted 2nd Degree Murder by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Nathaniel Varnado (age 18 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary, Principle to Criminal Damage, and Theft Less Than 1000 by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Donnin Brown (age 37 with Hammond, La. address) was booked on the charges of Burglary of Inhabited Dwelling, Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm (7 counts), Theft of Firearm (7 counts), and Failure to Appear by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Billy Mullins (age 50 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Kenneth Vicari (age 30 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
Charlene Locke (age 43 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear and Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Kevin Bond of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID) has made significant progress in an ongoing investigation involving the theft of a tractor, attachments, and trailer. The investigation, which began on May 16, 2023, has ended in the recovery of the stolen property, the arrest of Mark Ashley Hunt, and the issuance of an arrest warrant for Jason Songer.
A breakthrough came when Detective Bond received information from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office regarding the whereabouts of the stolen tractor. Acting on an anonymous tip, St. Tammany deputies located the stolen tractor in a tin shed on Million Dollar Road. After obtaining consent from the landowner, the shed was opened, confirming that the tractor matched the one reported stolen in May 2023. The tractor was subsequently recovered.
Further investigation and interviews conducted by Detective Bond revealed crucial information implicating individuals involved in the theft. An anonymous tipster provided vital details during an interview at the sheriff's office and that Mark Hunt and Jason Songer were involved in attempting to obtain keys to the shed where the stolen tractor was hidden.
On February 29, 2024, Detective Bond, assisted by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office CID and Patrol Division, executed an arrest warrant at the residence of Mark Ashley Hunt. While Hunt was not present, Detective Bond identified and recovered the stolen trailer associated with the tractor theft. Mark Hunt later arrived at the scene and was subsequently arrested after providing incriminating information regarding his involvement in the theft. Hunt, age 30 with an address of Sie Jenkins Road, Bogalusa, was booked on the charges of Theft $25000 or More and Failure to Appear. Bond was set at $25,350.00 and he remains in jail as of this report.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced Wednesday (March 6, 2024) that Tracy Davis, age 51 and of Kentwood, was sentenced on February 27, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Jay C Zainey to 51 months incarceration, after previously pleading guilty to one (1) count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, one (1) count of Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense, and and one (1) count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Judge Zainey also ordered a three-year term of supervised release following imprisonment.
According to court documents, Davis was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous felony conviction. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Hammond Police Department began investigating Davis due to a complaint that Davis was distributing narcotics in the Kentwood area. A search warrant was obtained for two residences and a vehicle associated with Davis that resulted in the seizure of cocaine and multiple firearms from within the residences and vehicle.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hammond Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
The Louisiana Department of Education today named its 24 finalists for the 2024 Louisiana Students of the Year competition. The honorees include one 5th, 8th, and 12th grader from each of the state’s eight BESE regions. Finalists will convene April 10 at the River Center Branch Library in Baton Rouge for an awards ceremony and the announcement of the Louisiana Students of the Year winners from each grade.
Among those named as Finalists is Lauryn Smith, a 12th Grader at Varnado High School. |
“Congratulations to each of these young leaders. This honor is a testament to their commitment to academic excellence,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. "As we celebrate the achievement of these remarkable students, we also recognize the unwavering support of their parents and educators.”
BATON ROUGE- State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J Adams is encouraging Louisianans to check the status of the life-saving devices in their homes, like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, when changing their clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time this Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m.
“The practice of changing your smoke and CO alarm batteries when you change your clocks should be second nature to all of us,” said Adams, “These days, as many clocks spring forward automatically, it’s especially important for this reminder to reach every household in Louisiana. Take a moment right now to put ‘change your clocks, change your batteries’ on your to-do list for this weekend.”
When checking the status of these devices to determine whether a new battery is needed, also take note of their age. If you know, or suspect, that your smoke or CO alarms are older than 10 years, we highly recommend upgrading to the 10-year, sealed battery alarms that don’t require any battery replacement through their lifetime. These newer alarms will, however, require something we suggest anyway—pressing the “test” button once a month to ensure the devices are in working order. Your family should practice a home escape plan at the same time which should include knowing two ways out of every room in your home and having an outdoor meeting place.
“We say it all the time, but it is a fact that smoke alarms save lives,” said Adams, “In 2023, 60 Louisianans lost their lives in residential fires. Only two of those cases involved structures with working smoke alarms at the time of the fires. Two other homes had evidence of smoke alarms, but they were not in working condition at the time of the fire. This is why changing your batteries when you change your clocks is so critical.”
If you do not have a smoke alarm, and cannot afford one, our Operation Save-A-Life program can help. The program partners our agency with local fire departments to install smoke alarms for free for families that need them most. To learn more about the program and register for a smoke alarm, visit lasfm.org. You can also contact your local fire department to request a smoke alarm installation.
Interim District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on January 26, 2024, District Judge Alan Zaunbrecher sentenced Joseph Peoples, age 32 and of Bogalusa, to life in prison without parole after a jury found him guilty in January of the murder of Shawn Whiteside. He was also sentenced on 2 counts of obstruction of justice and 2 counts of conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Judge ordered the sentences to run consecutive to the life in prison sentence, for a total of 120 years. Peoples has three unrelated pending felony cases and several prior felony convictions. Assistant District Attorneys Jay Adair and Hank Meyer led the prosecution.
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Testimony at trial established that on April 22, 2020, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to investigate an unresponsive white male lying on the side of Highway 1072. Upon arrival, officers and emergency medical services found the victim, later identified as Shawn Whiteside, had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest.
One of the witnesses who discovered the body told authorities she observed a silver SUV leaving the area. Law enforcement received information from another witness about a silver SUV with Arkansas license plates driving erratically along Highway 1072. In the process of locating Mr. Whiteside’s next of kin, law enforcement officials developed information that he had last been seen in the company of Joseph Peoples. Officers were alerted to a parked 2005 GMC Envoy fitting the description of the vehicle of interest. It was determined the vehicle belonged to Joseph Peoples.
Officers located Peoples at his residence. He was detained and transported to the sheriff’s office for questioning by investigators. During his interview, Peoples eventually admitted shooting the victim but claimed to have acted in self-defense when the victim brandished a gun. Peoples told authorities that he had driven to McDonalds in his SUV with the victim and an unidentified female as his passengers. While returning home, he said the victim and the female began arguing. He then noticed the victim, who was in the front passenger seat, had pulled out a gun. Peoples claimed he deflected the gun by quickly moving his right arm, redirecting the gun towards the victim as it discharged. Peoples said he panicked and drove to Highway 1072 where he dumped the victim’s body. Peoples denied knowing the female’s identity, but authorities later identified her as Allison Cook, People’s live-in girlfriend at the time.
Authorities located Cook and she provided a statement as well. Cook told police that she, Peoples and Whiteside had all been together that morning and that Peoples felt that Whiteside was flirting with her so Peoples pulled out a gun. She said Whiteside pleaded for his life but Peoples shot him anyway. Cook was able to provide police information that led to the recovery of the murder weapon. Both Peoples and Cook were arrested.
Detectives conducted a second interview of Peoples. During this interview, Peoples told police that it was Cook who had shot the victim and left the body on the side of the road.
At trial, prosecutors played the recorded interview of Peoples, as well as phone calls he had made from jail that were recorded by the jail’s system. Those calls revealed Peoples’ intent to claim self-defense, insanity or alternatively, that it was Cook who shot the victim. Peoples also talked of plans to bribe Cook to not testify or to marry her so that she could not testify against him.
Despite People’s hopes of silencing her, Allison Cook, testified at trial on behalf of the State. She told jurors that Peoples pulled out the gun and threatened Whiteside with it while driving. Immediately prior to the fatal shot, Whiteside’s last words were, “Don’t do this…I have two sons.” After Peoples shot him, Cook testified that she threw her jacket over Whiteside to ease the trauma of having witnessed his murder. Peoples then drove out of Bogalusa, down Highway 1072, and ordered Cook out of the car, telling her, “If I didn’t love you so much, you’d be right next to [Whiteside]”. Peoples ordered her to pull Whiteside’s body out of the vehicle, but she was unable to. Cook told jurors that Peoples kicked the victim’s body out of the passenger seat and onto the gravel. Peoples then drove them back to their residence, disposing of the murder weapon under a backyard shed and the victim’s cell phone in a toilet tank.
Throughout the trial, Peoples’ attorney argued for his innocence, claiming that Cook shot Whiteside in a jealous fit due to her unfounded suspicions that Peoples and the victim were involved in a romantic tryst. The jury rejected that claim, rendering a guilty verdict on all counts in just over 20 minutes.
In closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney Hank Meyer told the jury, “Justice demands you’re speaking not only for the decedent in this case, but also for his boys, his widow, his mother and his aunt.”
The following provided by Franklinton Police Chief Justin Brown on Tuesday (March 5, 2024):
At least one 17 year old Instagram user didn't experience a social media outage today. Sgt. Trey Johnson didn't experience an outage either which led him to conducting a search warrant based on the IG user's social media post showcasing a sizeable amount money from drugs.
The IG user bragged that "I got drugs for days" while waving around a stack of cash and soliciting further drug sales. He stated, "Get at me" and that's exactly what Sgt. Johnson did. The 17 year old was already on probation for, get this, Aggravated Assault of a law enforcement officer. Yea, Sgt. Johnson just happened to be that officer the 17 year old previously pulled a gun on.
For today's transgressions, the charges include; Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Possession of Schedule IV Drugs, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and probation violation.
The drug money has been seized and will be submitted for forfeiture.
"Get at me" indeed!
As always, suspects are presumed innocent until convicted by a court of law.
Jacolvia Brown (age 35 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Second Degree Battery and Theft Less Than 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $5500.00.
Jaylon Elzey (age 20 with Mt. Hermon, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the Franklinton Police Department. Bond set at $2500.00.
Katilynn Machado (age 20 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Obstruction of Commerce/Roadway, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence (2 counts), and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction. Bond set at $3500.00.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards is asking the public's assistance in locating 30 year-old Sara Jacy Saucier, a Hammond resident wanted for scamming numerous tenants of the Creek's Apartment Complex out of money in exchange for a forged doctor's letter, claiming their pet was an emotional support animal.
According to the investigation, Saucier was employed at the apartment complex and sent emails to the tenants reminding them to pay their pet deposit if they owned a companion animal. Saucier then followed up her email blast with a second email, telling the tenants that she had a friend who would provide a medical letter deeming their pets as "emotional support animals" for half the cost of the pet deposit.
Saucier then collected money from at least 15 victims, and provided them with a letter believed to be that of a licensed psychologist. Upon discovery of the scheme, the apartment complex fired Saucier, and even determined the letter was signed by her and not an actual doctor.
Detectives have since issued warrants for Saucier's arrest on the charges of Misdemeanor Theft (15 counts), Illegal Transmission of Monetary Funds (15 counts), and Forgery (15 counts).
Sheriff Edwards asks anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Saucier, to call Detective Joe Bourn at 985-902-2072, OR if you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip! You may be eligible for a cash reward.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office is asking the public's assistance in locating a runaway juvenile. Sheriff Daniel Edwards reports 15 year old Grace L. Meyers was last seen on Adams Road in Hammond on Sunday February 25, 2024.
Meyers is described as a white female with brown hair and green eyes. She is approximately 5'4" tall, weighing 120 pounds and unknown clothing description.
Sheriff Edwards asks anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Meyers, to contact Detective Cynthia Cacioppo of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office at 985-748-3353 or 985-748-8147 OR if you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s anonymous tip line at 1.800.554.5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip!
A convicted sex offender was fatally stabbed Sunday (March 3, 2024) afternoon at a Lacombe-area laundromat after he tried to assault a female at the establishment.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. Sunday, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the business in the 28000 block of U.S. Highway 190 in reference to an unresponsive man with an apparent stab wound. The man, 40-year-old Nicholas Tranchant, was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
While enroute to the call at the laundromat, STPSO deputies were dispatched to a call in reference to a female claiming she had stabbed a man who had attacked her while she was at the laundromat.
An investigation into to the incident revealed that Tranchant, a convicted sex offender, had entered the laundromat armed with a sharp weapon and was attempting to sexually assault the female when she fought back. The female was able to gain possession of the weapon, and used it to stab him before fleeing to safety. She also sustained injuries during the altercation and was transported to an area hospital, where she is being treated.
Tranchant was convicted in July 2003 for Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. He was convicted again in May 2008 for Attempted Aggravated Rape and Aggravated Burglary. He was released from jail on those charges on December 21, 2023, and required to register as a sex offender.
“I want to compliment this brave woman on the courage and strength she showed in fighting back against her attacker and ask for prayers for her continued recovery,” Sheriff Randy Smith said.
Jimmerious Smith, a 18 year-old man wanted by Bogalusa Police Department for attempted murder is now behind bars following a traffic stop in St. Tammany Parish over the weekend.
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Shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday (March 2, 2024) night, a criminal patrol deputy with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s 4th District, stopped a 2020 Chrysler 300 near the intersection of Highway 21 and Highway 59 in Covington after observing the driver violating various traffic laws.
Seated in the rear seat of the vehicle was Jimmerious Smith, who was wanted in connection with a shooting that occurred January 11, 2024 outside Bogalusa High School. Smith was wanted via a full extradition warrant from Bogalusa Police Department for Attempted Second Degree Murder, Illegal Use of Weapons, Aggravated Criminal Damage and Possession of a Firearm in a Firearm Free Zone.
Smith initially refused to give the STPSO deputy his name and, therefore, was also arrested for Failure to Identify. He was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.
The driver was cited for the traffic violations and released.
A concealed firearm, believed to be connected to the crime scene in Bogalusa, was seized from Smith's person during the traffic stop.
“We are sending a strong message; St. Tammany Parish is no place for criminals to hide,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “If you are wanted in another jurisdiction and you are found in St. Tammany Parish, we will arrest you.”
On March 2, 2024, at approximately 6:36 PM, Deputy Blaine Polk of the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office was dispatched to the Bible Baptist Church following multiple 911 calls from a female, identified as 40 year-old Crescent Vogt.
Dispatch reported that Vogt had called 911 six times, requesting a ride and assistance in locating her aunt. Additionally, Vogt claimed that individuals were attempting to harm her. It was noted that Vogt has a history of calling 911 while under the influence of drugs and making false reports.
Upon arrival, Deputy Polk discovered that the 911 call was originating from inside the parsonage behind the church. Despite repeated verbal commands to come out and identify herself, the doors were found locked. Further investigation revealed a driver's license belonging to a deceased relative of Vogt, wedged in the door, presumably used to gain unauthorized entry.
A member of the church informed Deputy Polk that no one should have been inside the building at that time. With permission from the church member, Deputy Polk, accompanied by Deputy Justin McFarlain, proceeded to clear the building, announcing their presence loudly as deputies.
During the search, deputies found Vogt lying on the ground in darkness, holding a kitchen knife in one hand and a pocket knife in the other. Despite commands to drop the knives and comply, Vogt resisted, requiring efforts to detain her safely.
Upon inventorying Vogt's belongings, a hypodermic needle was discovered in her purse, which Vogt admitted to using for heroin.
Vogt was subsequently transported to the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office jail and charged with false communications to cause emergency response, aggravated burglary, resisting an officer (two counts), and possession of drug paraphernalia. Vogt's 15th arrest in Washington Parish signals her extensive history of repeat offenses dating back to 2007.
"We commend the swift and professional response of Deputy Polk and Deputy McFarlain in managing this challenging situation," stated Sheriff Randy “Country’ Seal. “The safety and security of our community members, including those experiencing distress, remain our utmost priority."
The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office reminds citizens to use 911 responsibly and refrain from making false reports; as such actions can result in serious consequences.
Charles Robinson (age 47 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Open Container in Vehicle, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Resisting an Officer. No bond set at this time.
John Arrington (age 55 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Introduction of Contraband to Penal Institute, Resisting an Officer, and Distribution of Schedule II CDS by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Emmanuel Hatcher (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.
Kevin Hutchinson (age 51 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Use Turn Signal 100 ft prior to turn, No Proof of Insurance, Open Container in Vehicle, and Possession of Schedule II Drugs by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
McKenna Herbert-Thomas (age 19 with Bush, La. address) was booked on the charges of Bank Fraud, Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Driving Under Suspension, Forgery, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Leon Brown (age 32 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment, Domestic Abuse Battery, and Simple Assault by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Judd Davis (age 48 with Mandeville, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule III Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Open Container in Vehicle, Failure to Use Turn Signal 100 ft prior to turn, Improper Lane Usage, and Contempt of Court by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Heather Ellis (age 42 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.
Amy Chiasson (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Failure to Appear, Improper Lane Usage, and No Drivers License by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Tristian Mizell (age 27 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Unauthorized Entry of a Place of Business, Aggravated Assault Upon a Peace Officer, Obstruction of Justice Theft, Resisting an Officer, and Theft Less Than 1000 by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.
Seth Robertson (age 59 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Failure to Appear. Bond set at $152.00.
Theresa Prizie (age 58 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Bond Surrender, Failure to Appear, and Contempt of Court. Bond set at $8500.00.
Crescent Vogt (age 40 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of False Communication With Intent to Cause an Emergency Response (Misuse of 911), Aggravated Burglary (220 Breaking & Entering), Resisting an Officer (2 counts), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Saturday (March 2, 2024) afternoon , shortly before 2:00 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a fatal crash on LA Hwy 16 near Leonard Chapel Road in St. Helena Parish. The crash claimed the life of 38-year-old Timothy Larkin of Amite.
The initial investigation revealed the crash occurred as Larkin was eastbound on LA Hwy 16 on a go-kart. For reasons still under investigation, the go-kart traveled off of the roadway and struck a sign.
Larkin sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. He was transported to a local hospital before he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. This crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana State Police reminds the public that the use of go-karts, ATVs, and UTVs on roadways is illegal unless directly related to farming or other duties outlined by Louisiana Revised Statue 32:299. The law can be found by following this link: https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=88237.
Interim District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on March 2, 2024, a Washington Parish jury found 21-year-old Travon Washington of Hammond, guilty of Second-Degree Murder in the fatal shooting of Xykie Barker. The jury also found Brown guilty on related charges of Aggravated Burglary and three counts of Theft of a Firearm. Elizabeth Authement and Jay Adair, two attorneys assigned to handle Career Criminal cases in the Felony Division, prosecuted the case. District Judge Ellen Creel presided over the trial. Following the verdict, District Attorney Sims said, “The results of this trial unequivocally show that we will not tolerate violent criminals coming into our communities and terrorizing our citizens. Prevailing in both homicide cases we took to trial this week in Washington Parish demonstrates that we will continue to fight for the safety and well-being of the citizens who deserve to live here unencumbered by violence.”
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On Monday, prior to the start of jury selection, one of Washington’s co-defendants elected to plead guilty rather than face trial. Deanna Johnson was sentenced to fifty years as a result of her plea to Manslaughter and Aggravated Burglary.
During the trial, prosecutors presented the jury with evidence that Deanna Johnson had suggested their group target Xykie Barker as part of a robbery. After arriving at Barker’s home, Johnson went inside alone initially, and lured the victim outside where he was ambushed by Washington and two other perpetrators. Evidence collected by Louisiana State Police showed twenty shots had been fired between two guns, beginning outside and following the victim through his home as he was pursued by his attackers. The defendants fled the scene with guns, keys, and a gaming system all belonging to the victim; however, Washington crashed the vehicle less than a mile from the victim’s residence and they were quickly apprehended by Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, where they were found to be in possession of the victim’s property and the murder weapons. An iwatch recovered showed messages documenting the communications between the co-defendants just minutes before the homicide. Washington was found to have gunshot residue on him, and his DNA and Fingerprints were on one of the murder weapons linked to the casings on scene by a firearms examiner. An autopsy showed that the victim sustained 8 gunshot wounds, including one to the heart and one to the head.
In closing arguments at the conclusion of the trial, Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Authement rejected the defense argument that Washington had merely accompanied his friend from Hammond to Franklinton to buy marijuana. She told the jury, “Mr. Washington is obviously guilty of murder because he was participating in an aggravated burglary of the victim’s home. But we have also proven that Travon Washington fired the final shot to Xykie Barker’s head as Xykie lay on the ground. The callous nature of the pursuit of the victim through his own home tells us the defendant’s intentions were far more sinister than a robbery-gone-wrong. They went there specifically to kill the victim.”
The jury deliberated for approximately ninety minutes before reaching its verdict. Sentencing is scheduled for April 8, 2024. Second degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Washington Parish detectives Corbet Hunt and Raymond Myers handled the investigation. Several members of the Louisiana State Police Crime lab also assisted in the investigation.
Washington is also awaiting trial for a separate charge of Second-Degree murder for the death of 14-year-old Taysia Folse in Tangiapahoa Parish. Click here for that story
Thomas Stephens (age 66 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Leash Law Violation (9 counts), Unlawful Ownership of a Dangerous Dog (2 counts), and Criminal Damage to Property Under 1000 by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $1000.00.
Jennifer McDaniel (age 51 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked In From Court
Sareel Poinexter (age 48 with Angie, La. address) was booked on the charge of Battery of a Correctional Facility Employee. Released on $2500.00 bond.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
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Interim District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on February 29, 2024, a Washington Parish jury found 19-year-old LaKendall Brown guilty of Manslaughter in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Jerry Smith. The jury also found Brown guilty on related charges of Obstruction of justice and Carrying a firearm on school property. Doug Freese, the District Attorney’s Office Chief of Criminal Division/Chief of Trials, and Assistant District Attorney Jason Cuccia prosecuted the case. District Judge Alan Zaunbrecher presided over the trial. Following the verdict, District Attorney Sims said, “This is one of two homicide cases brought to trial in Washington Parish this week. We are going to aggressively pursue violent criminals in Bogalusa. We are coming. The citizens of this community deserve a safer place to live. I vow not to let up until that is a reality.”
During the trial, prosecutors presented the jury with casings and projectiles recovered from the scene, and expert testimony elicited from St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office firearms examiner Jene Rauch established that a total of 19 shots were fired from three different firearms during the incident. Two of those gunshots came from a gun recovered immediately adjacent to Smith’s body. There were two separate clusters of casings on the crime scene, arguably demonstrating that one person fired eight rounds at Smith and a second person fired nine rounds at Smith. This deadly shooting incident occurred in the immediate vicinity of the Bogalusa High School football stadium while the school’s homecoming football game was underway. The stadium was filled with football players, game officials and hundreds of spectators.
The defense asserted to the jury that the victim shot first and that whoever shot Smith did so in self-defense. The defense additionally claimed that Brown was unarmed and had no involvement in the shooting. That claim was refuted by a witness who did not see Brown shooting a gun but did see Brown with a gun in his hands seconds after the gunfire ended.
Prosecutors conceded during their opening statement that it would be impossible to prove who fired first, but contended that it did not matter because the shooters involved were aggressors and none of them was justified in asserting self-defense. In closing arguments at the conclusion of the trial, Assistant District Attorney Doug Freese told the jury, “Your verdict, in this case will answer whether people, who bring on a difficulty by carrying weapons to places they are not permitted, can claim self-defense when they choose to engage in a gunfight.”
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The jury deliberated for approximately four hours before reaching its verdict. Sentencing is scheduled for April 10, 2024. Manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of forty years in prison. Obstruction of Justice also carries a maximum penalty of forty years in prison, while Illegal possession of a firearm on school property a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Bogalusa Police Department Detectives Justin Blackwell, Casey Hidalgo and Tyler Lindsey led the investigation and testified in support of the prosecution.
Is your private water well registered with the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources?
You Review and you decide!
LDH-OPH SEET (Section on Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology) has a Private Well Initiative Program, and one of the projects is to increase private well registration in 3 parishes, of which Washington Parish is included. This request is at no cost to the private water well owner.
More information about the Private Well Initiative is at https://ldh.la.gov/page/private-well-initiative, including the following:
About 15 percent of the U.S. population relies on private wells for their drinking water (over 500,000 in Louisiana). Many studies have found unsafe levels of chemicals in private wells including radon, arsenic, uranium, manganese, fluoride, nitrates/nitrites, and bacteria. Unlike public water supplies that are protected by the US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act, private wells do not have a public health program focused on ensuring their continued safety.
The Private Well Initiative (PWI) addresses many different aspects of the public health impacts from drinking water from private wells and other sources not protected by the US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act by doing the following:
The Department of Health (LDH) is only required to test and check public water systems. Well owners are responsible for checking and testing their water supply.
Frank Cangelosi (age 37 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Theft of Firearm and
Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm. Bond set at $25000.00.
Malcolm Beal (age 33 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.
Jamaneil Brown (age 36 with Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft Less Than 1000, Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s), Resisting an Officer, Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, and Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor. Bond set at $40000.00.
Mark Hunt (age 30 with Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Theft 25000 or More by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. No bond set at this time.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
