Most Wanted in Tangipahoa Parish

AMITE (July 24, 2026)- The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is asking the public to help locate several outstanding fugitives.

●      Tyquan Nicholson, 31, is wanted for Theft and Illegal Possession of Stolen Things in connection with a string of car burglaries in the Bedico area from early 2025. He’s also wanted in a 2025 Identity Theft case.

●      Frank Doty, Jr., 55, is wanted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Doty was convicted of Oral Sexual Battery in 2018 and was last known to be in the Amite area.

●      Christopher Moneyhun, 53, of the Kentwood area, is wanted for Theft over $25,000, Unauthorized Use of a Moveable, and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle connected to a crime back in May.

●      Laard Quave, 33 of Hammond, is wanted for three counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles, Failure to Report the Commission of Certain Felonies and Failure to Seek Assistance in connection with a child abuse case from April.

●       Joshua Walters, 35, has several warrants for recent Protective Order Violations and four Failure to Appear Holds Without Bond.

●      Bentley MacKay, 77 of the Kentwood area, is wanted for Theft over $25,000, Unauthorized Use of a Moveable, and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.

●      Demarquez Jones, 25, is wanted on four counts of Simple Burglary as well as one count each of Carjacking and Theft of Motor Vehicle Value $1,500 Or More all tied to an August 2025 incident. He also has two warrants for Failure to Appear.

●       Richard Jones, 59, is wanted on two counts of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Jones was convicted of Sexual Battery in the 90s and was last known to be in the Amite area.

Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information about these suspects’ whereabouts to contact the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office directly at 985-902-2088. If you prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip. You may be eligible for a cash reward.

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 23-24, 2026

Kenneth Graham (age 60 with a Kentwood, La. address) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole. No bond set at this time.

Kevin Levi (age 63 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Eugine Tyson (age 43 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II Drugs (2 counts), Possession of Contraband in a Correctional Facility, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Bogalusa Police Department. Bond set at $12000.00.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Obituary

Carolyn Robinson Duckworth

June 4, 1944 - July 12, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.

Today   Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Tonight   Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Sunday   Sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 105. West wind around 5 mph.

Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 76. West wind around 5 mph.

Monday   Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. West wind around 5 mph.

Monday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph after midnight.

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for July 23, 2026

Haley Easterling (age 32) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Latoya Turner (age 42) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Louisiana State Police.

Payton Nordin (age 23) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Celeste Giroux (age 56) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Dennis Stewart (age 21) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Michelle Crawford (age 55) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Tony Brewton (age 27) was booked on the charges of Battery of a Dating Partner With Strangulation, Simple Criminal Damage Less Than 1000, and Interfering With Emergency Communication by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Brent Mayeaux (age 22) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Quinton Ned (age 45) was booked on the charges of Principal to Commission of Crime (2 counts) and Simple Burglary (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Alexandra McMahan (age 29) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jonathan Rhody (age 41) was booked on the charge of Simple Battery of the Infirm by the Pearl River Police Department.

Melanie Kelley (age 47) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Murry James (age 55) was booked on the charge of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness and Resisting an Officer by Flight by the Covington Police Department.

Benjamin Brown (age 36) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Causeway Bridge Police.

Kenneth Guidry (age 37) was booked on the charges of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Careless Operation, and Driver Must Be Licensed by the Causeway Bridge Police.

Hector Perez-Bolanos (age 38) was booked on charge(s) not listed by the Pearl River Police Department.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Public Tips Leads to Arrest in Tickfaw - Man Accused of Dealing Drugs Near Church

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has arrested 43-year-old Kevin Thomas of Tickfaw man following an investigation into a suspected drug distribution operation. Thomas was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on two counts of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS), three counts of Illegal Carrying of Weapons While in Possession of a CDS, three counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and one count each of Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Violation of a Drug-Free Zone, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Marijuana.

Earlier this month, TPSO Narcotics detectives, following tips from the public, began surveillance on a home on Highway 1064 in Tickfaw that was located within 500 feet of a church. The investigation confirmed illegal narcotic activity and a warrant was obtained to search the home as well as for Thomas.

With assistance from TPSO SWAT, members of a regional task force, and Hammond Police Narcotics officers, detectives located more than 11,000 grams of synthetic marijuana, Ecstasy pills, $4,000 in cash hidden in the oven and evidence of distribution materials. There were also two guns, one stolen, and a shotgun found in the home.

Thomas and two others were present at the time of the operation. One was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information about who this suspect is, and/or their whereabouts, to contact our Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088. If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip!

This Week in Louisiana Agriculture

TWILA explores agriculture at home and abroad, visits an experimental vineyard, sees how farmers protect livestock during the summer heat, learns about a feral hog problem at a Louisiana high school, and wraps up with a TWILA Boost featuring Glass Half Full, the New Orleans company turning discarded bottles into new opportunities for Louisiana's coast. 

Drive-by Shooting in Walthall County, 5 Being Held

On Thursday (July 23, 2025) at approximately 4:11pm, the Walthall County Sheriff’s Office  received a 911 call in reference to shots fired at a residence on Oak Grove Rd. Officers responded to the scene and discovered the shots had been fired from a vehicle. Officers collected evidence and gathered a vehicle description. Once a vehicle description was obtained, a BOLO was issued to surrounding agencies for the vehicle. 

At approximately 5:30pm, the Pike County Sheriff’s Office Gang Unit initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle on Highway 48 in the city of Magnolia. The occupants of the vehicle were wanted for questioning in connection with a drive-by shooting that occurred in Walthall County approximately one hour earlier. During the traffic stop, Pike County officers located and seized multiple firearms and controlled substances from the vehicle. Five individuals are being held in the Pike County Jail and are being questioned by Walthall County investigators. 

“This just shows the importance of having a good working relationship with surrounding agencies is. We all have one goal - to get the job done.” - Walthall County Sheriff Kyle Breland.

"Once again, this is a message to the criminal element: Don't come to Pike County because you're going to get caught. We are not playing games when it comes to protecting our communities. We are tough on crime, and we will not allow criminals to affect the quality of life of the citizens of Pike County or the citizens of our neighboring counties. If you choose to bring crime into this area, you should expect to be held accountable." Pike County Sheriff Bryant Wally Jones.

Hammond Man Dies in Hit & Run Crash, Amite Man Arrested

Early this morning (July 24, 2026), at approximately 1:30 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a two-vehicle hit-and-run crash on LA 1045 near Courtney Lane in St. Helena Parish. The crash claimed the life of 19-year-old Caden N. Thomas of Hammond.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Thomas was driving a 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo east on LA 1045, near Courtney Lane. At the same time, a 2001 GMC Sierra pickup truck was traveling west on LA 1045. For reasons still under investigation, the GMC crossed the centerline of the roadway and struck the Chevrolet head-on.

Thomas, who was unrestrained, suffered serious injuries and died on scene. After the crash occurred, the driver of the GMC fled before law enforcement arrived on scene.

Later on July 24, 2026, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the driver of the GMC, 23-year-old Emmitt C. Milton of Amite, turned himself in. Milton was subsequently booked into the St. Helena Parish Correctional Facility for Hit and Run Driving (Felony), Negligent Homicide, Driving on Right Side of Road, and other traffic charges. This crash remains under investigation.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

3 Arrested, Fentanyl & Meth Seized in Covington

Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit have arrested three individuals following an investigation into a suspected drug dealer operating in the Covington area. 

The investigation, which began earlier this month, culminated this week with the execution of a search warrant at a Covington-area motel. During that search, detectives located and seized approximately 32.02 grams of fentanyl, approximately 6.31 grams of methamphetamine, 13 dosage units of alprazolam, 19 dosage units of amphetamine, 25 dosage units of suboxone and 5 dosage units of hydrocodone. Detectives also recovered drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale with drug residue and numerous clear plastic baggies, along with $576 believed to be proceeds from drug sales.

Arrested on numerous narcotics charges were 55-year-old Paul Ard of Covington, 40-year-old Jennifer Matherne of Covington and 34-year-old Acacia Magee of Mandeville. 

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

St. Tammany Sheriff Bret Ibert is asking anyone with information about narcotics, or other crimes, to submit a tip utilizing the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office website (www.STPSO.com), or by calling the narcotics tip line (1-888-GO-2-JAIL).

Obituary

Dollie Carolyn Badeaux

April 1, 1939 - July 22, 2026

Obituary

Lynda Sue Stafford Galloway

March 18, 1943 - July 1, 2026

Obituary

Dona Cheramie Williams

February 19, 1957 — July 22, 2026

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

For an extended forecast and more details, go to our weather page.

Today   Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Tonight   Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Saturday   Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Saturday Night   Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Sunday   Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. West wind around 5 mph.

Sunday Night   Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph after midnight.

Suspect Sought in Amite Vehicle Burglaries

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) needs the public’s help identifying and locating a suspect accused of breaking into several vehicles in an Amite mobile home park.

On June 28, 2026, a man was spotted breaking into a car in the Ruffino Road trailer park. When he was confronted, he fled the area on a bicycle, but not before the neighbor caught the attached picture of the suspect. At this time, while detectives have not been able to identify this individual, he is known to frequent the Old US 51 area.

Sheriff Gerald Sticker encourages anyone with information about who this suspect is, and/or their whereabouts, to contact our Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088. If you’d prefer to share information anonymously, you can do so through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s 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.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Wanted Suspect Arrested in Amite

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) Street Crimes Unit has arrested 24-year-old Demontay Watkins, a suspect wanted by multiple agencies for multiple cases dating back to 2023 and made nearly a dozen additional arrests in the operation.

Watkins was found hiding in an attic Wednesday (July 22, 2026) night at a home on Conti Street in Amite. He’s been booked on charges including Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Flight from an Officer, Resisting an Officer, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile, and numerous outstanding traffic violations. Watkins is also being held as a fugitive from at least two other parishes for a recent shooting and running from law enforcement back in 2024.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

At the time of the arrest, there were eight other individuals in the home, one being a 14-year-old, as well as drugs and guns. All individuals were placed under arrest for various charges including Obstruction of Justice for their role in hiding Watkins.

TPSO’s Street Crimes Unit was established two weeks ago in order to proactively seek out wanted subjects like Watkins, but also to conduct targeted patrols and enforcement activities in our parish’s highest-risk communities based on call data associated with violent crime and tips from the public.

If you have suspicions or information about emerging violent crime in your neighborhood, or if you have information about a violent crime that has been committed, the Street Crimes team wants to know about it. Residents can share this information by calling 985-902-2088.

Murder Suspect Arrested Near Slidell

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office reports that 21-year-old Dennis Stewart, a New Orleans murder suspect, was arrested early Thursday (July 23, 2026) morning in the Slidell area by members  of the U.S. Marshals E/LA New Orleans Fugitive Task Force. Stewart was wanted by the New Orleans Police Department for second-degree murder.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office is an active partner in the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force and has a detective assigned to the task force. Detectives with the Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit also assisted with the investigation and arrest.

The U.S. Marshals E/LA New Orleans Fugitive Task Force brings together federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend violent fugitives.

"This arrest is another example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together and share resources," Sheriff Bret Ibert said. "Violent offenders cannot expect to avoid accountability simply by crossing parish lines. Our partnerships with the U.S. Marshals Service helps ensure those wanted for serious crimes are found and taken into custody as quickly and safely as possible."

Obituary

Mary Heiser Sharp

May 22, 1930 - July 20, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for July 22, 2026

Anthony Fricke (age 29) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II by the St. Tammany
Parish Sheriff's Office.

Kelly White (age 61) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Sale Distribution of Legend Drug Without Prescription, and No Taillights by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Dorothy Ashley (age 59) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II (2 counts) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.

Benjamin French (age 35) was booked
on the charges of Operating While Intoxicated (2nd Offense), Threatening a Public Official, and Establishing Speed Zones by the Louisiana State Police.

David Avery (age 37) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not identified.

Noel Wright (age 44) was booked on the charges of Aggravated Flight From Officer and Aggravated Obstruction of Highway of Commerce by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Michael Smith (age 33) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not identified.

Zachary Little (age 41) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Acacia Magee (age 34) was booked on the charges of Manufacture/Distribution Schedule II CDS, Manufacture/Distribution Schedule IV CDS, and Drug Paraphernalia by Agency not listed.

Alysia Migliore (age 51) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

William Turner (age 45) was booked on the charges of Fraudulent Firearm and Ammunition Purchase/Mandatory Report by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Jennifer Matherne (age 40) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court, Manufacture/Distribution Schedule II CDS (2 counts), and Possession of Schedule II by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Carson Tregre (age 22) was booked on the charge of Hit and Run by the Mandeville Police Department.

Tess Boudreau (age 43) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Drug Paraphernalia, and Improper Lane Use by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Paul Ard (age 55) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS (3 counts), Manufacture/Distribution Schedule II CDS, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule IV CDS, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule III CDS, Drug Paraphernalia, and Transactions Involving Proceeds From Drug Offenses by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Lisa Bourgeois (age 58) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Improper Lne Use by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Juwan Leonard (age 29) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for July 22, 2026

Fantasia Magee (age 34 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Accessory After the Fact by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Dirul Pittman (age 24 with a Bogalusa, 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.

Benjamin Holmes (age 35 with an Angie, La. address) was booked In For Court.

Wesley Penton (age 44 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Fugitive Other Jurisdiction by the Bogalusa Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Caleb Allen (age 24 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.

Tomeka Smith (age 40 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In For Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.

Velicity Burkhalter (age 44 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contributing to Delinquency of Juvenile by the Franklinton Police Department. No bond set at this time.

Markus Mark (age 31 with an Angie, La. address) was booked In From Court.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***