Washington Parish Jail Booking Information for February 9, 2017

Christina McCain was booked 02/08 In From Court
Frederick Taylor was booked 02/08 on the charges of Simple Burglary (2 counts), Theft Under 750, Vehicle Burglary, Theft 750-5000, Theft of Goods, Criminal Trespass, and Burglary of Inhabited Dwelling
Delvin Jones was booked 02/08 on the charges of Unauthorized Use of Access Card and Theft 5000-25000

Traffic Stop Turns Up 150 Ecstasy tablets

A Houston man, while traveling thru St. Tammany Parish on his way to Biloxi, was arrested January 31 on drug charges after 150 Ecstasy tablets were found in his vehicle during a routine traffic stop conducted by a deputy with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Highway Enforcement Unit.

When the deputy approached the vehicle, he smelled the distinct odor of marijuana, and he requested permission to search the vehicle. While searching the vehicle, the deputy located a small bag of marijuana under the center console in the front seat and two bags of Ecstasy tablets concealed inside a pair of socks in a duffle bag on the back seat.
Dominic Walker (21) of Houston, Texas was arrested and booked for Possession with Intent to Distribute Ecstasy, Possession of Marijuana and Improper Lane Use.

12 Charged in Amite Inmate Murder Described as “Shark Feeding Frenzy”

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Office Press Release February 7, 2017

 

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards reports that multiple arrests were made in connection to the tragic death of 40 year old Tommy Joe Smith of Independence, LA.

On January 30, 2017, at approximately 11:00 p.m., 40- year old Tommy Joe Smith of Independence, LA. was arrested by Probation and Patrol and booked into the parish jail on a probation violation.    After being booked and processed, Smith was escorted to and placed in a dorm room that was occupied by twenty-one other inmates, making Smith the twenty-second. 

An investigation led by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) Criminal Investigations Division reveals that shortly after Smith arrived in the dorm, he attempted to establish himself in a bunk on the second floor.  Allegedly at this time, Smith was told by other inmates that he wasn’t welcome on the second floor and needed to leave.   Smith then grabbed his matt and proceeded back downstairs.  Being compliant and non-confrontational, Smith was again met with the same adversity as he attempted to find a bunk on the first floor.   In over 40 interviews conducted by TPSO detectives, it was revealed that Smith, complying with the aggressive demands, was attempting to make his way to notify the pod deputy of his request to vacate the dorm when he was abruptly struck by an inmate from behind.   As Smith turned around to defend himself, he was brutally attacked my multiple offenders.   The vicious attack which occurred after lights out was described by other inmates as a “shark feeding frenzy”.  Meaning the attack was extremely brutal and very quick.

Upon recognition of the disturbance, the control deputy notified jail staff of the incident.   Within minutes, responding deputies entered the dorm and gained control.  They also observed one of Smith’s attackers attempting to facilitate CPR on Smith’s lifeless body.   Immediately the jail’s medical staff was notified and quickly responded to render aid.   Acadian and Amite Fire were also notified, arriving a short time later.

Consequently, Smith succumbed to death as a result of injuries sustained from this senseless and heinous attacked.  

As a result, 12 offenders were arrested for this brutal attack on Smith’s life, one of them being a juvenile offender. 11 of the offenders are charged with Second degree murder and Obstruction of justice, 2 of the 11 were additionally charged with Second Degree robbery for stealing Smith’s shoes while he was being attacked.  The juvenile, who is currently being held on unrelated homicide charges, was additionally charged with Principal to second to degree murder. 

“News of this unprovoked and heinous attack is extremely troubling. We strive to provide safety to all those in Tangipahoa Parish, including those incarcerated within the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. Through an investigative account of this incident, it has been discovered all protocols relating to a response to such an event were preformed expeditiously. Unfortunately, due to the number of individuals involved in the altercation, along with the incident occurring within a secured environment, our victim was limited with an escape. This type of environment provides many limitations when taking into account the safety of staff, emergency medical responders, as well as the inmates themselves,” says Edwards.        

Sheriff Edwards and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office considers this a senseless and tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family.  Sheriff Edwards pledges to have a full review of this incident to see if there is anything that the TPSO can do to ensure that this type of tragedy does not happen again.
 
Offenders charged in this case are the following:

20 year old Herman Bagent, 30 year old Brent Collins, 22 year old Lionel Brister, 27 year old Randall Holmes, 23 year old James Milton, 18 year old Eric Newman, 22 year old William Patterson, 22 year old Tyquan Davis, 19 year old Antwon Seymore, 38 year old Ronald Faulkner, 28 year old Travis Robertson, and one juvenile.  Faulkner and Robertson were among the group who were accused of stealing the victim’s shoes during the attack, therefore were charged with Second degree robbery.

Bogalusa Council: Family Fest, Farmers Market, Cemetary Repairs, & Finances Discussed

The Bogalusa Council had a productive meeting Tuesday (February 7) evening, even with unnecessary "preaching" and uninformed commenting and questions that contribute to lengthy meetings. The Council

• Heard from Jennifer Mizell with Our Lady of the Angels regarding the Second Annual Family Fest and the opening of the Farmers Market on April 1 at Goodyear Park. (beginning at about 3:00 into video of the meeting)
• Heard from Ryan Ryan Seidemann and Christine Halling with the Louisiana Attorney General's Office regarding badly needed assistance to the Bogalusa Cemetery repair process with funds from FEMA. (beginning 10:20 into video of the meeting)
• Adopted a resolution in furtherance of water line improvements for the Richardson Town community.
• Introduced four ordinances that will be up for Public Hearings at the next meeting: one providing for the operation of a food truck, one providing for the operation of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. (D/B/A CenterPoint Energy Louisiana Gas) in the City, one authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Progressive Waste Connections, Inc., and one authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement related to work provided by Raybourn Correctional Institute.
• Held Public Hearings on and adopted two ordinances: one implementing the collection of the 1% sales tax approved by voters on November 8, 2016 and one authorizing a $950,000 Revenue Anticipation Note (providing for operating funds until property taxes are collected, at which time the note will be paid)

The Mayor pointed out that, during her administration, reliance on a revenue anticipation note has been reduced from $1.9 million to $950,000 the last two years,  spoke about opening of the Farmers Market, and reminded everyone of upcoming Mardi Gras activities.
During Public Participation, the Council heard and responded to residents' concerns.

Bogalusa Council 02072017 from Mt. Hermon Web-TV on Vimeo.

Washington Parish Jail Booking Information for February 8, 2017

Matthew Slade was booked 02/07 on the charge of Possession of Heroin
Eli Saba was booked 02/07 on the charges of Carrying Firearm/Weapon on School Property, Contributing to Delinquency of a Juvenile, and Possession of Alcohol Person Under 21
Shawn Stewart was booked 02/07 on the charges of Failure to Appear (2 counts)

Hospital Guild Donates $50,000 to STH Foundation

The St. Tammany Hospital Guild has announced a donation of $50,000 to St. Tammany Hospital Foundation as their annual donation in 2017. The funds were generated through the sales from the hospital gift shop staffed by volunteers.  This is the largest donation made by the Guild since it was founded in 2003.
The Guild also raises funds through bake sales and jewelry sales to offer educational scholarships for hospital employees.
The foundation then uses the funds “in support of programs, projects and equipment for St. Tammany Parish Hospital,” said Nicole Suhre, executive director of St. Tammany Hospital Foundation. “
If you are interested in volunteering just four or more hours per week, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Shirley Primes for the hospital, Parenting Center and hospice at 985-898-4008.
Pictured Left to right: Melanie Byrd, foundation specialist at STH Foundation; Ron Rome, 2016 Guild president; Shirley Primes, STPH volunteer coordinator; Patti Ellish, president and CEO of STPH

Washington Parish Jail Booking Information for February 7, 2017

Albert Weysham was booked 02/06 on the charges of Possession of Heroin, Manufacture of Schedule II, Illegal Use of CDS in Presence of Person Under 17 YOA, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Nicholas Whittington was booked 02/06 on the charges of Manufacture of Schedule II CDS, Illegal Use of CDS in Presence of Person Under 17 YOA, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Schedule II Drugs
Lauren Weysham was booked 02/06 on the charges of Manufacture of Schedule II CDS, Illegal Use of CDS in Presence of Person Under 17 YOA, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Gararth Brown was booked 02/06 In For Court
Donald Richardson was booked 02/06 In From Court
Tamara Spears was booked 02/06 In From Court
Collins Palmer was booked 02/06 In From Court
Vivian Graves was booked 02/06 In From Court
Antonio Dillon was booked 02/06 on the charge of Probation Violation
Adreane Kuhn was booked 02/06 on the charges of Forgery (24 counts) and Theft Under 750 (24 counts) 
Mark Falgoust was booked 02/06 on the charge of Aggravated Battery
James Wise was booked 02/06 on the charge of Burglary of Inhabited Dwelling
Michelle Tyrney-Dimarco was booked 02/06 on the charges of Possession of Schedule III Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drugs Without Prescription or Order
Ja'Keithon Cotton was booked 02/06 In For Court
Dawayne Stein was booked 02/06 on the charges of Switched License Plates, Possession of Schedule III Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Fugitive Other Jurisdiction, and Failure to Appear (2 counts)

WPSO Deputies Rescues Juvenile From Meth Lab

On February 5, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a mobile home on Beau Drive near Franklinton, acting on a complaint that an illegal methamphetamine lab might be operating at that address. Deputies encountered Albert J. Weysham (50) at the front door and saw another man reaching down inside the cushions of a chair. Fearing the man might be reaching for a weapon, deputies entered the residence and detained Nicholas Whittington (37), a resident of another address on Beau Drive. Deputies also encountered Lauren E. Weysham (28), a resident of Attley Walters Road near Franklinton, sitting on a couch. Deputies saw, in plain sight, a piece of aluminum foil with a small amount of a white substance which appeared to be methamphetamine, a glass pipe containing burnt residue, and a black multi-colored smoking pipe also containing burnt residue. All three occupants admitted to using the methamphetamine which had been manufactured at the residence that day and were taken to jail.
Lauren Weysham informed the deputies that a one and a half year old child was in an adjacent bedroom and deputies removed the child from the residence due to strong fumes from an unknown source and the large amount of cigarette smoke in the residence. A representative of the Department of Children and Family Sevices removed the child to a temporary foster home.
Sheriff Randy Seal commented. “This situation makes me sick. I am disgusted to know that three adults would intentionally endanger the health of a young child by manufacturing and using methamphetamine while the child was present. There is absolutely no excuse for this type of irresponsible and reckless behavior. Kudos to our deputies for rescuing this young child from a potentially life-threatening situation and putting these three irresponsible persons in jail.”

8-Year Old Rescued After Being Submerged in Pond

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards reports that shortly before 3:00 p.m., yesterday (February 5, 2017), TPSO deputies responded to a Fluker residence where Acadian Ambulance Services was already on scene to help the mother, step-father, and other family members rescue an 8-year old female who was submerged inside of a Polaris ATV in a pond.  A story by Kim Chatelain, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune identifies the child as Maddie Aldridge, daughter of entertainer Jamie Lynn Spears and Casey Aldridge and the niece of Britney Spears.
The incident occurred about 100 yards from where her family was standing and watching. Apparently, the child maneuvered the ATV to avoid running over a drainage ditch, overcorrected, and entered the pond.  The ATV and child were instantly submerged in the water right before their eyes. Within seconds the child’s family members reached the pond, dove in and attempted to rescue the child to no avail. The child was trapped and secured by the seatbelt and the ATV’s safety netting. Acadian Ambulance Services arrived within two minutes and assisted in freeing the child from the cold waters.  
Currently, the child is reported to be in stable but critical condition. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking you to keep this family in your constant prayers as they try to cope with this horrible incident.

Washington Parish Jail Booking Information for February 6, 2017

Aumbriana Williams was booked 02/03 on the charges of Careless Operation, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Justin Chatellier was booked 02/03 on the charges of Careless Operation, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Smith Warren was booked 02/03 In For Court

Kristopher White was booked 02/03 In For Court

Jene Martin was booked 02/03 on the charges of Simple Battery and Attachment (2 counts)
Leigh Cutrer was booked 02/03 In From Court
Jennifer Davis was booked 02/03 on the charge of Introduction of Contraband to Correctional Facility
Nathan Stover was booked 02/03 on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction
Brandon Walker was booked 02/04 on the charges of Attachment (2 counts)
April Stover was booked 02/04 on the charges of Forgery, Theft of Goods, Failure to Appear, and Fugitive Other Jurisdiction
Jeffery Freeman was booked 02/05 on the charge of Contempt of Court

Deputy Prevents Crash in Walthall County

Saturday (February 4, 2017) Walthall County responded to multiple reports of a truck almost crashing head on with oncoming traffic. The truck was travelling on Hwy 98 near Stogner's fish camp. Once in the area Deputy B. Dunaway acted quickly and parked his patrol car in the middle of the highway to block oncoming traffic from the truck. 

Deputies were able to stop the truck and the driver was charged with DUI, No drivers license, possession of alcohol in a dry county, and reckless driving.

Sheriff Breland said (in part), "Two thumbs up to Deputy B. Dunaway for his quick thinking and taking action to help protect the citizens of Walthall County. It's small quick actions like this that help prevent fatalities on our roads. 

Burglar Wore Ankle Monitor to Residential Burglary

A New Orleans man is under arrest after traveling from New Orleans to Slidell to commit a residential burglary. There was just one problem; the ankle monitor he was wearing was equipped with a GPS.

John Davis (56) was arrested for burglarizing a residence, where he stole jewelry, electronics and firearms. Following up on a tip, Slidell Police Detectives began to look into John Davis as a potential suspect. Detectives learned that Davis was wearing an ankle monitor as a condition of bond following an arrest in New Orleans and that Davis' monitor pinged nine times at the residence where the burglary took place.  

Armed with information from the ankle monitor, Slidell Police Detectives and members of the Louisiana State Police traveled to New Orleans and arrested John Davis. Some of the stolen property has been recovered, but detectives are asking that if anyone has information, please contact the Slidell Police Department or Crime Stoppers.

 

Bogalusa Man Arrested After Foot Chase

A Washington Parish deputy stopped a Ford F-150 near City Limits Road in Bogalusa for a traffic offense February 1 and ended up in a foot chase. 

The passenger gave his name as Brad D. Sharp and gave a date of birth. But no record was found and he was asked to exit the vehicle. He immediately fled.  The foot pursuit went down several streets, through the yard of a residence and then into woods. While running through the woods in the dark, both the passenger and the deputy became entangled in thick vegetation.

The deputy discharged his taser, striking the passenger on his lower right side. The passenger attempted to crawl away but the deputy was able to take him into custody. 

During a search, a digital scale and $1,504 cash was discovered in his pockets. While in the Sheriff’s Office vehicle, the passenger stated that he was having difficulty breathing due to swallowing a bag of marijuana. He was transported to the hospital and treated by  emergency room personnel. While at the hospital, the passenger also admitted to swallowing ecstasy and Percocet.

The subject was finally identified as Brandon D. Short (30), a resident of Redmond Heights. After being discharged from the emergency room, Short was booked on the charges of possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, obstruction of justice, resisting an officer and resisting an officer by flight. He got out of jail the same day after posting bond.

Sheriff Randy Seal stated. “It is always dangerous when a deputy has to stop a vehicle at night. The deputy has no idea who is in the vehicle, what their intent might be or whether or not there are any weapons present. This night-time stop became even more dangerous for our deputy when the suspect fled on foot and the deputy chased him through dark woods. Thankfully, no one was injured and the bad guy was taken into custody. This is yet another example of the great job our deputies do to protect us, even while we are at home sleeping.”

Ben Nevers Resigns as Governor's Chief of Staff

Ben Nevers, former State Senator, will step down as  Gov. John Bel Edwards' Chief of Staff effective February 28, according to a Press Release.  Former Director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), Mark Cooper, will assume the role of Chief of Staff.

“Ben Nevers has been one of my closest friends in the legislature and a fierce advocate for the people of Louisiana for more than 30 years,” said Gov. Edwards. 

Nevers said (in part), “After all these years, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife, our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “

For the full text of the Press Release, click here.

MS. Trio Responsible for Burglarizing Coin-Operated Devices

Two suspects are behind bars and warrants have been issued for a third, after St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s detectives solve a series of burglary cases that spanned three states. On December 22, 2016, STPSO received reports of several burglaries of coin-operated air compressor units. 

Investigation has revealed a total of 49 air compressors had been burglarized in multiple jurisdictions in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. A total of $23,520.25 had been taken and the total cost of the damage is estimated to be more than $28,000. From the surveillance videos, St. Tammany detectives identified Gary Mucha (DOB 08-26-1980) of Gulfport, Mississippi. 

Mucha was arrested in St. Martin Parish on December 27, 2016 alongside John Middleton (DOB 08-04-1980) and Brandy Johnson (DOB 10-06-1982) both of Gulfport, Mississippi after the trio was caught preparing to break into a coin-operated device there. 

Mucha and Middleton are now in custody and have confessed to the burglaries. Johnson has not been apprehended.

Bogalusa Man Arrested for Heroin Possession

Harvie H. Miller (58), a resident of Avenue E in Bogalusa, was arrested by a Washington

Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy on February 1 and booked into the Washington Parish Jail on one count of possession of heroin and one count of possession of methamphetamine. He was released the same day after posting a $10,000 bond.

Following a traffic stop on Superior Avenue, the deputy observed a plastic bag that fell out of Miller's wallet.  Miller admitted the bag contained heroin and additional heroin plus methamphetamine was discovered in the vehicle.   

“Heroin and methamphetamine use and abuse is common among all age groups,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “In this case we have a fifty-eight year old man driving our streets while possessing these illegal drugs. I congratulate our patrol deputy for being alert and getting these drugs out of our community.”

Three Teens Identified in Vehicle Burglaries / Stolen State Police Equipment Recovered

Three Tangipahoa teenagers have been identified in multiple vehicles burglaries in the Madisonville area. Among the vehicles burglarized was a locked, unmarked State Police Unit, which was parked in front of a trooper’s residence. The trooper’s department-issued rifle and a small amount of K-9 training-aides were taken during the burglary. State Police recovered the stolen rifle Thursday, and St. Tammany Parish detectives, working with State Police and ATF, found the stolen training aides.  

Randy Charles Purcell (17) of Ponchatoula, was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon with the assistance of Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and booked on charges related to an aggravated burglary that occurred Wednesday morning near Ponchatoula. Detectives have also arrested Bradley Greenlee (17) of Springfield and a 16-year-old Ponchatoula boy who was booked into the Florida Parish Detention Center. 

This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.

Washington Parish Jail Booking Information for February 3, 2017

Brandon Short was booked 02/02 on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I Drugs, Obstruction of Justice, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting an Officer, and Resisting an Officer (Flight on Foot)

Chasity Gros was booked 02/02 on the charges of Burglary and Unauthorized Use of Access Card

Aumbriana Williams was booked 02/03 on the charges of Careless Operation, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Justin Chatelier was booked 02/03 on the charges of Careless Operation, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Former Covington Resident Charged with Wire Fraud and Conspiracy

BILAL AHMED, a/k/a “Bill,” (41), formerly of Covington, was charged February 2 in a three count Indictment charging him with two counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

AHMED is charged with devising a scheme to defraud others which he posed as a wealthy individual who stood to received millions of dollars, including from his native country of Pakistan. AHMED presented false documents to others resulting in wirings totalling $70,000 to be made in interstate commerce.

If convicted, AHMED faces a statutory maximum sentence of twenty years in prison for each of the wire fraud counts, and a five-year term of imprisonment on the conspiracy charge. He also faces substantial monetary penalties, supervised release, and restitution.

U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilty of the defendant must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt

U.S. Attorney Polite commended special agents of Homeland Security Investigations and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, who investigated the case. 

Celebrate Recovery Meets Each Tuesday in Franklinton