Washington Parish Grand Jury Indicts 16 Individuals

FRANKLINTON - Interim District Attorney J. Collin Sims reports that on February 6, 2024, a Washington Parish grand jury indicted 15 men and 1 woman with Racketeering, following a long-term joint effort between the District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Bogalusa Police Department, the Franklinton Police Department, and other agencies in developing the evidence that led to the indictment of the sixteen individuals.

D.A. Sims said, “This is part of a series of indictments targeting violent crime in Bogalusa with our local, state, and federal partners. In total, 51 individuals have now been indicted between the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office (41) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office (10). We will continue to make the safety of the citizens of Bogalusa a priority.”

“Bringing ATF’s expertise and resources to focus on individuals and organizations that plague our communities with their gun trafficking and violence is a top priority of ATF and our partners at the St. Tammany District Attorney’s Office,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson.

“These indictments demonstrate our collective law enforcement commitment to combatting those repeat offenders who threaten our citizens and communities with their violent activities.”

“Cases and investigations such as these prove how important it is to have a strong and positive working relationship with the District Attorney’s Office. The collaboration utilized amongst these agencies ensures the safety of all our citizens. We remain committed to maintaining a strong relationship with the District Attorney's Office, along with our local, state, and federal partners, in the pursuit of justice against drug dealers and violent offenders within our community.” Assistant Chief Troy Tervalon, Bogalusa Police Department.

The individuals who were indicted for participating in a Racketeering Enterprise operating between January 1, 2017 and November 13, 2023 are as follows:

• Trveion Mark, Age 27 of Fort Worth, Texas
• Mark Amos IV aka: "FG Famous" Age 25 of Bogalusa 
• Demarquiez Devon Harris aka: "Quez" Age 28 of Bogalusa 
• Kelzon Clark Aka: "Boo" Age 30 of Bogalusa 
• Kenyatta G. Scott, Jr. aka: “Yatta” Age 26 of Bogalusa 
• Dakeithan D. Matthews aka: "Wop" Age 28 of Bogalusa 
• Sheylyn J. Griffin aka: "Bap" Age 26 of Bogalusa 
• Jamar Mcgowan aka: "Jig" Age 30 of Angie 
• Trevonne L. Mingo aka: "Chapo" Age 28 of Bogalusa 
• Brittany N. Mayes Age 37 of Jonesboro, Georgia 
• Carlos J. Walker aka: "Los" Age 34 of Bogalusa 
• Ja'vontay Marquese Owens aka: "Joe Black" Age 30 of Bogalusa 
• Caleb R. Allen Age 21 of Bogalusa 
• Tylar R. Redditt Age 23 of Bogalusa 
• Markus K. Mark aka: "Poel" Age 28 of Killeen, Texas 
• Jakeithon Trevon Smith Age 21 of Bogalusa

The racketeering conduct alleged in the indictment includes the defendants’ operation of a firearms and narcotics distribution network in Washington and St. Tammany Parishes. Members and associates of the enterprise are alleged to have engaged in acts of murder; attempted murder; solicitation to commit murder; kidnapping; illegal possession and trafficking of firearms; distribution of controlled dangerous substances; possession of controlled dangerous substances with the intent to distribute; money laundering; and obstruction of justice. In addition to the Racketeering charge, Trevion Mark has also been indicted on charges of second-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, possession of schedule II drugs, and obstruction of justice by tampering with evidence.

This indictment follows an earlier indictment, returned on September 20, 2023, brought by the D.A.’s Office, targeting organized criminal activity in which twenty-five (25) individuals were charged in a twenty-nine-count indictment charging racketeering and offenses related to the Enterprise. In that indictment, based upon an extensive investigation conducted by Louisiana State Police with the assistance of the District Attorney’s Office, the State alleged that the Enterprise was responsible for bringing heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana with a street value in excess of $20,000,000.00 over the last year of the Enterprise’s operation.

Assistant District Attorney Doug Freese presented both cases to the grand jury.

Washington Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Narcotics and Firearm Charges

Tylar Redditt, age 22 and a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, pled guilty on January 9, 2024, to a two-count indictment charging him with violations of the Federal Gun Control and the Federal Controlled Substances Acts, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to  court records, Redditt conspired to distribute heroin and to use and possess firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. Both counts carry a sentence of up to  twenty (20) years in prison, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Additionally, the drug violation carries a possible fine of up to $1,000,000 and the gun violation carries a possible fine of up to $250,000.00. 

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According to public records, agents were able to obtain numerous social media photographs of Redditt  posing with firearms, drugs and cash. Redditt also participated in a non-fatal retaliatory shooting on July 27, 2022, shortly after Javorious Scott, a local rapper, was murdered in Bogalusa. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 

This case was investigated by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Bogalusa Police Department.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr of the Narcotics Unit.

21 Year-Old Bogalusa Man Indicted by Federal Grand Jury

Tylar Redditt, age 21 and a resident of Bogalusa, was charged February 2, 2023, in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury with violations of the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the indictment, Redditt participated in a conspiracy to distribute a quantity of heroin and to use and possess firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. On the drug count, Redditt faces a maximum term of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three (3) years supervised release.  For the firearms charge, Redditt faces a maximum term of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three (3) years supervised release. 

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U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Bogalusa Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit for the United States Attorney’s Office.

Bogalusa Police Arrest 3 on Gun & Drug Violations

The Bogalusa Police Department reports the arrests of Jonathan Peters, Tylar Reddit, and Rodrius Quinn for various gun and drug violations.

Criminal Patrol Officers responded to the Sunset Acres Housing Complex in reference to a call of subjects brandishing firearms. Upon arrival, Officers smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the apartment. Officers observed a subject attempting to leave the apartment through a window, who retreated when he saw officers. Officers eventually made entry and several subjects were detained, but were uncooperative.

A search warrant for the apartment was obtained and executed by patrol officers and detectives. During the search officers seized a total of 85 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia indicative of the use and sale of marijuana, two 9mm handguns, one with an obliterated serial number, and one with a 30 round magazine. Officers also recovered additional magazines, as well as handgun and rifle ammunition.

Peters was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a drug free zone, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Reddit was charged with firearm free zone violation, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a drug free zone, illegal carrying of a weapon in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of marijuana.

Quinn was charged with firearm free zone violation, illegal carrying of a weapon in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.