May 16, 2019
Covington Woman Gets Life For Raping Child
District Attorney Warren Montgomery announces that Sandra E. Gaines (39) of Covington was
sentenced to life in prison without parole Wednesday (May 15, 2019) for repeatedly raping a child under age 13 with another adult over several years. District Judge William J. Burris issued the life sentence for each of two counts of aggravated rape and 25 years for each of three counts of sexual battery of a child under 13. The sentences are to be served at the same time.
Gaines was convicted by a St. Tammany Parish jury in March after a three-day trial. Gaines’ longtime boyfriend, Robert Cardell Flowers (32), also of Covington, had been convicted by a St. Tammany Parish jury on the same charges in June 2015, and he also is serving a life sentence.
The victim, now 18, testified during Gaines’ trial that Gaines and Flowers began touching her sexually when she was about 5 years old and that the abuse progressed and continued for several years through 2012. The victim testified that she was repeatedly raped during that time. Assistant District Attorney Jay Adair prosecuted the case, with the assistance of Assistant District Attorney Michael Cochran. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
Gaines was convicted by a St. Tammany Parish jury in March after a three-day trial. Gaines’ longtime boyfriend, Robert Cardell Flowers (32), also of Covington, had been convicted by a St. Tammany Parish jury on the same charges in June 2015, and he also is serving a life sentence.
The victim, now 18, testified during Gaines’ trial that Gaines and Flowers began touching her sexually when she was about 5 years old and that the abuse progressed and continued for several years through 2012. The victim testified that she was repeatedly raped during that time. Assistant District Attorney Jay Adair prosecuted the case, with the assistance of Assistant District Attorney Michael Cochran. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
Morgan Brothers Jailed by Drug Task Force
Two Washington Parish brothers, Jimmy Ray Morgan (45), a resident of John D. Woods Road, and James Leon Morgan (55), a resident of Lawrence Creek Road, are in the Washington Parish Jail after
their arrest on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 in the Hackley community north of Franklinton. The bond for each man has been set at $10,000.
While on patrol, a Washington Parish Sheriff's Office Drug Force detective observed James Leon Morgan throw a bag out of the window of the truck as the truck pulled into a parking lot. The bag was retrieved by detectives and contained methamphetamine, a glass smoking pipe and other drug paraphernalia.
During the arrest, James Leon Morgan was restrained without incident. Jimmy Ray Morgan, however, violently resisted the four detectives who were present, striking one of them in the head. Detectives restrained him and both Morgan brothers were transported to the Washington Parish Jail by uniformed patrol deputies who responded to the scene.
Jimmy Ray Morgan is charged with four counts of battery on a police officer, resisting a police officer with force or violence, possession of illegal narcotics and a traffic offense. James Leon Morgan is charged with possession of illegal narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, obstruction of justice and littering.
“That,” said Sheriff Randy Seal, “is not what I would describe as a healthy family tradition. How sad that two brothers seem to have carved out a life involving illegal narcotics. I am so pleased our alert and pro-active narcotics detectives were able to make this arrest and get more illegal drugs out of our community.”
While on patrol, a Washington Parish Sheriff's Office Drug Force detective observed James Leon Morgan throw a bag out of the window of the truck as the truck pulled into a parking lot. The bag was retrieved by detectives and contained methamphetamine, a glass smoking pipe and other drug paraphernalia.
During the arrest, James Leon Morgan was restrained without incident. Jimmy Ray Morgan, however, violently resisted the four detectives who were present, striking one of them in the head. Detectives restrained him and both Morgan brothers were transported to the Washington Parish Jail by uniformed patrol deputies who responded to the scene.
Jimmy Ray Morgan is charged with four counts of battery on a police officer, resisting a police officer with force or violence, possession of illegal narcotics and a traffic offense. James Leon Morgan is charged with possession of illegal narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, obstruction of justice and littering.
“That,” said Sheriff Randy Seal, “is not what I would describe as a healthy family tradition. How sad that two brothers seem to have carved out a life involving illegal narcotics. I am so pleased our alert and pro-active narcotics detectives were able to make this arrest and get more illegal drugs out of our community.”
Bogalusa's Annual Budgetary Loan Request of $950,000 Approved
Today (May 16, 2019), the State Bond Commission approved the City of Bogalusa's application to issue a Revenue Anticipation Note not to exceed $950,000. On February 19, 2010, the Bogalusa City Council had approved an ordinance to issue the Revenue Anticipation Note and to seek approval from the State Bond Commission.
Mention was made at the hearing today that on February 18, 2019 the City of Bogalusa had been voted to be assigned a Fiscal Administrator, that steps are being taken to complete the process but that no fiscal administrator had been appointed.
Click here for background and video on this.
Click here for background and video on this.
Washington Parish Jail Bookings May 15, 2019
Aimee Hill was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court
Justin Morris was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery
Denise Smith was booked In From Court
Gary Colston was booked on the charges of probation Violation and Failure to Appear
Justin Morris was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery
Denise Smith was booked In From Court
Gary Colston was booked on the charges of probation Violation and Failure to Appear
May 15, 2019
STPSO to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint this Weekend
Deputies from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office will conduct a sobriety checkpoint this
weekend at an undisclosed location in St. Tammany Parish.
The manpower for this initiative is funded by a grant from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.
“We hope these checkpoints serve as a deterrent to drinking and driving,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “We ask our citizens to please make responsible decisions. If you choose to consume alcohol, don’t drive. Make a plan in advance. Have a non-drinking designated driver or call a cab.”
The manpower for this initiative is funded by a grant from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.
“We hope these checkpoints serve as a deterrent to drinking and driving,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “We ask our citizens to please make responsible decisions. If you choose to consume alcohol, don’t drive. Make a plan in advance. Have a non-drinking designated driver or call a cab.”
Driver Attempts to Avoid Arrest by Using False Name
Latita Robinson is the name she gave to Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Sergeant Jay Dupre when he stopped her at 6:15 a.m. on Highway 21 north of Bogalusa. That name and the date of birth she provided could not be located in the criminal justice database. Nevertheless, she continued to insist that was her actual name and date of birth.
Circumstances leading to her May 15, 2019 arrest began when Sgt. Dupre noticed an automobile with emergency flashers driving north on Highway 21 at an excessive rate of speed. Following a pursuit, the driver stopped. When Sgt. Dupre approached the vehicle, he detected a strong odor of marijuana. The driver admitted there was marijuana in the vehicle, at which point Sgt. Dupre placed her in handcuffs and searched her car.
During the search, Sgt. Dupre discovered a bag of marijuana inside the center console and a small cigar containing marijuana which was located in a plastic ashtray. He also discovered part of a pill of Adderall, a controlled medication. The driver admitted the Adderall was hers and that she did not have a prescription.
Sgt. Dupre advised the woman she was under arrest and would be transported to the jail where her true identity would be revealed through fingerprints. Upon hearing this, the woman confessed that her actual name was Tharazun L. Armon, age 25, and that she was a resident of Dauphine Street in Bogalusa.
Once Armon arrived at the jail, she was booked on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of Schedule II drugs, speeding, driving under suspension and resisting arrest by providing false information. She remains in jail with her bond set at $5,000.
Sheriff Randy Seal commented. “This is yet another example of pro-active law enforcement. Sgt. Dupre’s patrol on Highway 21 yielded a good arrest and removed more illegal drugs from our community. Good job, Jay!”
During the search, Sgt. Dupre discovered a bag of marijuana inside the center console and a small cigar containing marijuana which was located in a plastic ashtray. He also discovered part of a pill of Adderall, a controlled medication. The driver admitted the Adderall was hers and that she did not have a prescription.
Sgt. Dupre advised the woman she was under arrest and would be transported to the jail where her true identity would be revealed through fingerprints. Upon hearing this, the woman confessed that her actual name was Tharazun L. Armon, age 25, and that she was a resident of Dauphine Street in Bogalusa.
Once Armon arrived at the jail, she was booked on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of Schedule II drugs, speeding, driving under suspension and resisting arrest by providing false information. She remains in jail with her bond set at $5,000.
Sheriff Randy Seal commented. “This is yet another example of pro-active law enforcement. Sgt. Dupre’s patrol on Highway 21 yielded a good arrest and removed more illegal drugs from our community. Good job, Jay!”
WPSO Arrests Two - “They Weren't Washing Their Vehicle”
On May 13, 2019 at approximately 3:00 a.m., Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Sergeant Jay Dupre was traveling south of Bogalusa on Highway 1075 when he observed a red SUV, with headlights on, sitting in a wash bay at a car wash. Sgt. Dupre pulled in behind the vehicle which had a Mississippi license plate and was occupied by two persons.
As Sgt. Dupre exited his patrol unit and approached the suspect vehicle, he observed sudden activity by the driver and the placement of an item in the glove box. Both suspects, each of whom had a black bandana tied around their necks, exited their vehicle at the direction of Sgt. Dupre. When asked if there were any weapons in the vehicle, the female passenger stated there was a pistol in the glove box. At that time, WPSO patrol deputies James Gregorio and Chad Cassard arrived and both vehicle occupants were handcuffed.
Sgt. Dupre retrieved a loaded .22 caliber revolver from the glovebox. Then, after receiving permission from the owner to search the vehicle, deputies discovered crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
The vehicle occupants were identified as Jonathon Wayne McCain (30) of Jenkins Road near Franklinton and Brittany Nicole Granier (29) of Stemens Street in Petal, Mississippi. McCain was further identified as a convicted felon who is on probation for previous offenses.
McCain was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, convicted felon in possession of a firearm and violating his probation. His bond has been set at $50,000. Granier was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with a weapon present and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond has been set at $5,000.
Jail records indicate this is Granier’s first stay in the Washington Parish Jail. Records also indicate this is McCain’s 13th visit to the jail. His arrests began in July 2009, and have included a variety of charges including failure to appear in court, traffic violations, two separate arrests for driving while intoxicated, drug offenses, and being in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
“This arrest is a good example of pro-active law enforcement,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Sgt. Dupre’s alert eye enabled him to spot criminal activity and take both illegal drugs and a loaded firearm out of our parish. I congratulate him, Deputy Gregorio and Deputy Cassard for a job well done. Once again, while honest citizens sleep in the comfort of their homes, criminals are out and about in our parish. That is, until our officers intercept them and escort them to jail.”
Sgt. Dupre retrieved a loaded .22 caliber revolver from the glovebox. Then, after receiving permission from the owner to search the vehicle, deputies discovered crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
The vehicle occupants were identified as Jonathon Wayne McCain (30) of Jenkins Road near Franklinton and Brittany Nicole Granier (29) of Stemens Street in Petal, Mississippi. McCain was further identified as a convicted felon who is on probation for previous offenses.
McCain was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, convicted felon in possession of a firearm and violating his probation. His bond has been set at $50,000. Granier was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with a weapon present and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond has been set at $5,000.
Jail records indicate this is Granier’s first stay in the Washington Parish Jail. Records also indicate this is McCain’s 13th visit to the jail. His arrests began in July 2009, and have included a variety of charges including failure to appear in court, traffic violations, two separate arrests for driving while intoxicated, drug offenses, and being in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
“This arrest is a good example of pro-active law enforcement,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “Sgt. Dupre’s alert eye enabled him to spot criminal activity and take both illegal drugs and a loaded firearm out of our parish. I congratulate him, Deputy Gregorio and Deputy Cassard for a job well done. Once again, while honest citizens sleep in the comfort of their homes, criminals are out and about in our parish. That is, until our officers intercept them and escort them to jail.”
Washington Parish Jail Bookings May 14, 2019
Shawda Brock was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Theft Less Than 1000, and Child Desertion
Tharazun Armon was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana, Special Restrictions on Lamps, Speeding 11-20 Over Limit, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Resisting Arrest
Aaron Blackwell was booked In For Court
Jimmy Morgan was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Driving Left of Center/Crossing Center Line, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, and Battery on a Police Officer (4 counts)
James Morgan was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Littering, and Obstruction of Justice
Corterio Williams was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court
Jasmine Magee was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness and Attachment (8 counts)
Tharazun Armon was booked on the charges of Possession of Marijuana, Special Restrictions on Lamps, Speeding 11-20 Over Limit, Driving Under Suspension, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and Resisting Arrest
Aaron Blackwell was booked In For Court
Jimmy Morgan was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Driving Left of Center/Crossing Center Line, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting a Police Officer With Force or Violence, and Battery on a Police Officer (4 counts)
James Morgan was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Littering, and Obstruction of Justice
Corterio Williams was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court
Jasmine Magee was booked on the charges of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness and Attachment (8 counts)
May 14, 2019
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