St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 7, 2026

Luciano D'Angelo (age 39) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Courtney Jones (age 37) was booked on the charges of Bank Fraud, Access Device Fraud, Theft (2 counts), and Resisting Arrest by False Information by the Slidell Police Department.

Courtney Elder (age 31) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Breanna Meeks (age 32) was booked on the charge of Cruelty to Juveniles/Minor Injuries by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Robin Cardneaux (age 70) was booked on the charges of Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Aaron Stovall (age 33) was booked on the charges of Habitual Offender Law/Sentences for Second and Subsequent, Battery of a Dating Partner/Strangulation and Child Endangerment, Aggravated Battery, False Imprisonment/Offender Armed With Dangerous Weapon, Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle, Injuring Public Records, and Contempt of Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Karen Caillier (age 60) was booked on the charge of Prohibited Acts/Schedule II Penalties by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Felicia Polk (age 43) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Obstruction of Justice, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Christopher Owens (age 38) was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000 and Simple Criminal Damage to Property by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Daimon Bush (age 43) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.

Kristine King (age 45) was booked on the charge of Criminal Trespass by the Mandeville Police Department.

Donnie Eady (age 27) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Lionel Ott (age 44) was booked on the charges of Simple Burglary and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Sylvia McGrew (age 44) was booked on the charge of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond by Bondsman.

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

Obituary

Ezzard Charles Lee

October 8, 1954 — October 2, 2026

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 6-7, 2026

Orlanzo McGowan (age 37 with an Angie, La. address) was booked on the charges of Prohibited Acts, Possession of Heroin, Contempt of Court (2 counts), Failure to Appear (2 counts), and Entry on or Remaining in Places or on Land After Being Forbidden by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.

Benjamin Jacob (age 51 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked In From Court

Nicole Gorsuch (age 40 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $409.00.

Krisean Brown (age 27 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of No Seat Belt, Drivers License Not on Person, Contempt of Court (2 counts), and Resisting an Officer by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. Bond set at $1209.00.

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

Tropical Disturbances Today

Hamas Financiers and Their Families Arrested for $224,000 in Medicaid fraud!

Louisiana's Attorney General Liz Murrill reports that five St. Tammany Parish residents were arrested for defrauding the Louisiana Medicaid Program of more than $224,000. Two of the suspects also face federal charges for providing more than $100,000 to a terrorist financing network that funneled more than $1.7 million to help fund Hamas. 

Evidence discovered during a joint federal and state investigation led by the FBI, revealed that Abdel Adhami and Omar Adhami, both of Covington, Louisiana, had participated in a campaign to help fund Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Due to this information, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation worked with the Louisiana Department of Health regarding possible Medicaid beneficiary fraud.

Between 2021 and 2025, the suspects and their families underreported their income to receive Medicaid benefits, defrauding the program of more than $224,000 in combined losses. 

On September 15, 2026, all aforementioned suspects were arrested and booked at the St. Tammany Parish Jail.  

35-year-old Abdel Adhami and wife, 29-year-old Iman H. D. Srour were charged with the following:

• 5 Counts of L.R.S. 14:70.9-- Government Benefits Fraud-- (Felony)
• 1 Count of L.R.S. 14:67B.1-- Theft >$25,000-- (Felony)
• Estimated Loss: $113,344

33-year-old Omar Adhami and wife, 28-year-old Amani Abu Zenah:

• 3 Counts of L.R.S. 14:70.9-- Government Benefits Fraud-- (Felony)
• 1 Count of L.R.S. 14:67B.1-- Theft >$25,000-- (Felony)
• Estimated Loss: $81,099

32-year-old Mohammad I. Adhami, brother of Omar and Abdel Adhami:

• 3 Counts of L.R.S. 14:70.9-- Government Benefits Fraud-- (Felony) 
• 1 Count of L.R.S. 14:67B.1-- Theft >$25,000-- (Felony)
• Estimated Loss: $30,197

“While terrorist sympathizers were funding the death of American citizens and countless others across the world, the hard-working men and women of Louisiana were funding their medical care. No matter where you are or who you are, if you steal from the people of Louisiana, you will face Louisiana justice,” said Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. “Since assuming office, my team has recovered over $80 million for Louisiana taxpayers. Through leadership and collaboration with federal, state, and local partners, we are ending systemic Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse.”

These arrests were the result of a joint investigation involving the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Hammond Police Department, Mandeville Police Department, and Louisiana State Police.

St. Tammany Parish District Attorney Collin Sims will prosecute the state charges.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 6, 2026

Sally Longmire (age 51) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS and Transactions Involving Proceeds From Drug Offenses by the Louisiana State Police.

Savannah Heindel (age 24) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Colby Hardee (age 24) was booked on the charges of Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS, DWI, and Careless Operation by the Causeway Bridge Police.

Kiante Andrews (age 25) was booked on the charge of Simple Criminal Damage to Property by the Slidell Police Department.

Cooper Tedesco (age 28) was booked on the charges of Operating While Intoxicated (2nd Offense) and Improper Lane Use by the Louisiana State Police.

Christopher Boudreaux (age 38) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Mickel Croute (age 20) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Cody Crouch (age 37) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Jerry Sterling (age 49) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Chantel Brown (age 30) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.

Dinasti Brock (age 20) was booked on the charges of Simple Battery, Disturbing the Peace/Violent and Tumultuous Manner, and Contempt of Court by the Covington Police Department.

Paudrekia Spivery (age 30) was booked on the charge of Theft by the Slidell Police Department.

Robert Drawdy (age 63) was booked on the charge of Parole Violation by Probation and Parole.

Raheem Harris (age 27) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Shawn Russell (age 55) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Israel Myles (age 21) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by Agency not listed.

Denzel Dilling (age 31) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Louisiana State Police.

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

LSU AgCenter's Weekly Message

Paper Wasps: Arguably Good Gals, Usually

A recent encounter with paper wasps inspired me to learn more about them. I sat down on my porch to read and went back inside the house to get something. On my return, an insect stung me on the nose just as I sat down. I didn’t see any nests or even the culprit itself. I went back in the house to get a fly swatter. When I came back out again, the as-of-yet mystery insects got really unhappy, and several stung me on my shoulder. Shortly afterwards, I realized that the nest was in the light fixture next to my front door.

Paper wasps (Polistes spp.) are not particularly aggressive stingers. In my case, the repeated opening and closing of the door close to their nest probably was a bit too much for them, hence the stings. Most of the time, we might regard paper wasps as beneficial. They prey on caterpillars, including pest species.

Paper wasp nests have a honeycomb-like appearance with multiple cells in which the female that started the colony (the queen) lays her eggs, placing one egg in each cell. After the eggs hatch, the mother feeds pre-chewed caterpillars and other insects to the larvae for a while and then covers the cells. Juveniles pupate and emerge from the cells as winged adults. Most of the wasps in a colony are females, while males develop in the fall for mating.

Nests become uninhabited over the winter and are not reused by paper wasps. The mated females that will start the next season’s colonies spend the winter in protected spaces.

If you do end up with a paper wasp nest in an unacceptable place, you can use one of the aerosol wasp and hornet sprays. Most of these contain one or more of the pyrethroid insecticides (active ingredients with names ending in “thrin,” with a few exceptions). Be sure to follow label directions when using any insecticide.

Since paper wasps aren’t aggressive, you may be able to achieve adequate spray coverage of the nest and the individuals on it during the day, from several feet away, without being stung. Wearing protective clothing (long sleeves, pants, etc.) is suggested. To reduce the risk of being stung, you can spray in the evening when the wasps are less active. If you do this, avoid turning on lights or bringing a flashlight.

Since paper wasp nest construction begins in the spring and the number of wasps increases over the season, it’s better to get rid of them earlier than later, if they’re in a problematic location. If you do it early enough, you might be able to just knock the nest down with a broom.

Let me know if you have questions.

Click here for previous LSU AgCenter's Weekly Messages

Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson is an Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter, with horticulture responsibilities in Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes. Contact Mary Helen at mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 985-277-1850 (Hammond) or 985-839-7855 (Franklinton).

Slidell Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Workplace Sexual Battery

District Attorney J. Collin Sims announced today (October 7, 2026) that the Honorable Judge Tara Farris Zeller sentenced 25-year-old Kaelan Jackson of Slidell, Louisiana, to 10 years in prison, the maximum penalty allowed by law, following his felony Sexual Battery conviction by a St. Tammany Parish jury on June 25, 2026.

Assistant District Attorneys Iain Dover and Taylor Nicholson prosecuted the case after an investigation by the Slidell Police Department.

The conviction stems from a December 20, 2023 incident at the U-Haul facility on Gause Boulevard in Slidell, where both Jackson and the victim were employed. During facility checks, Jackson trapped the victim from behind, held her throat, and sexually assaulted her. Following the attack, the victim preserved crucial evidence by documenting text messages in which Jackson explicitly admitted to making her uncomfortable.

During the trial, prosecutors showed that Jackson's written admissions and actions established his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while highlighting the victim's bravery in gathering evidence and coming forward.

In a victim impact statement submitted through the District Attorney's Victim Assistance Coordinator, the survivor shared the lasting impact of the assault and urged the court to hold the defendant accountable:

"This case has stretched on for three years. In that time, I have struggled to find consistent work where I feel safe," the victim wrote. "I respectfully request that when the court considers an appropriate sentence, the decision be guided not only by justice for me, but also by the safety of the public, the prevention of future harm...and, most importantly, genuine reform in this individual's behavior and mindset."

"This maximum sentence holds this individual accountable for a predatory act in the workplace," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "I want to commend the victim for her courage in standing up for herself, as well as ADAs Iain Dover and Taylor Nicholson and the Slidell Police Department for their thorough work in securing justice."

After the June verdict, Judge Zeller remanded Jackson to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, where he remained until today’s sentencing.

Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash in Washington Parish

On October 6, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L began investigating a single-vehicle crash on LA 62 near Bernard Crain Road in Washington Parish. The crash claimed the life of a 56-year-old woman from Franklinton.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 Toyota Camry was traveling north on LA 62 approaching Bernard Crain Road. For reasons still under investigation, the Toyota traveled off the roadway to the right, and struck a tree.

The female driver was properly restrained, suffered fatal injuries, and was pronounced dead on the scene. Impairment is unknown; however, a routine toxicology sample were collected and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Obituary

Kassie Marie Mizell Benoit 

April 1, 1988 — October 5, 2026

Updated Probable Path of Isaias

As of 10:00 AM, the probable path of Isaias has inched more to the east of our area. 

INVESTING IN OUR FLEET. INVESTING IN WASHINGTON PARISH.

Press Release from Washington Parish Government 

Maintaining and improving Washington Parish’s infrastructure takes more than materials — it takes the right equipment to get the job done.

Throughout 2026, Washington Parish Government invested $664,817.71 in equipment to improve and update our fleet. These purchases support the everyday work of our crews — from road and drainage improvements to mowing, hauling, maintenance and other essential Parish services.

But improving our fleet isn't simply about spending money on new equipment. We also look at the equipment we already have and whether it still makes financial sense to keep it.

As equipment ages, repairs and maintenance can become costly. When it makes better financial sense to sell a piece of equipment — whether for continued use, parts or salvage — we declare it surplus, sell it and put those funds back toward equipment our crews need. This helps us get the most value possible from Parish-owned equipment while continuing to improve our fleet.

Having dependable equipment helps our crews work more efficiently, reduces the time and money spent maintaining aging equipment, and keeps more work moving throughout Washington Parish.

We're investing in the equipment that does the work — and ultimately, investing in Washington Parish.

Hammond 16-Year-Old Arrested for Bringing Gun & Drugs to School

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has arrested a Hammond teenager for bringing a gun and drugs to school. The 16-year-old male has been charged with one count each of Carrying of a Firearm by a Student on School Property, Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile, Possession of a Firearm While in Possession of Schedule II Narcotics, and Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance in a Drug Free Zone.

On Tuesday (October 6, 2026), TPSO School Resource Officers (SROs) at Hammond High School were made aware of suspicious circumstances involving a student’s vehicle in the parking lot. That student was removed from class to confirm it was his vehicle. Following a search of the vehicle, a gun and pills were located inside. The student was then placed under arrest.

As a reminder, you can share information about crimes, suspicious, or even concerning activities, in our schools 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 can provide this information anonymously.

The TPSO remains appreciative of the collaboration with the Tangipahoa Parish Public School System and all of our community partners to ensure our schools are secure and safe learning environments for all students.

Convicted Felon Brandon Williams Apprehended by U.S. Marshals

District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that 38-year-old Brandon Justin Lee Williams of New Orleans, who was convicted last month of multiple violent offenses and subsequently fled justice, has been apprehended.

Click here for the previous story

On October 6, 2026, members of the United States Marshals Service located and arrested Williams in Lake Charles, Louisiana, without incident. He will be booked in Calcasieu Parish, then transported back to St. Tammany Parish to face sentencing before the Honorable Judge Tara Farris Zeller.

On September 23, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found Williams guilty on all counts following a trial prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Zachary Popovich and Taylor Nicholson. Williams was convicted of:

• Second Degree Rape
• Domestic Abuse Battery Involving Serious Bodily Injury
• Domestic Abuse Battery Involving Child Endangerment
• Cruelty to Juveniles

The convictions stemmed from a comprehensive October 2024 investigation by the Slidell Police Department into severe domestic abuse and sexual violence occurring at a residence in Slidell. Williams failed to appear in court for the reading of the jury’s verdict on September 23, 2026, prompting Judge Zeller to issue an immediate bench warrant for his arrest.

"Brandon Williams thought he could evade the law and escape accountability for the horrific abuse he inflicted on a mother and her children," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "Thanks to the dedication of the U.S. Marshals Service, working in coordination with our local law enforcement partners, this dangerous predator is in custody where he belongs. He will be brought to St. Tammany Parish to face the consequences of his crimes and receive the sentence handed down by the court."

Local Forecast for the Next Few Days

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

Today   Sunny, with a high near 90. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight   Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Thursday   Sunny, with a high near 89. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night   Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then becoming clear, with a low around 64. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday   A 30 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Breezy, with an east wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the morning.

Friday Night   A 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Breezy, with a northeast wind 15 to 20 mph. 

Tropical Disturbances Today

Tropical Storm Isaias is currently located about 580 miles SW of the mouth of the Mississippi River and moving ENE at 8 MPH with 40 MPH maximum sustained winds. Rapid strengthening is forecast over the next day or two, and Isaias is expected to become a hurricane by Thursday. A turn toward the NE and N is expected Thursday and Friday.

Obituary

Malcolm Leon Haley

November 14, 1953 - October 5, 2026

St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 5, 2026

Karen Miller (age 44) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Establishing Speed Zones by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Nathan Hickman (age 18) was booked on the charges of DWI and General Speed Law by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Eliana Aristimuno (age 53) was booked on the charge of Sexual Battery by the Mandeville Police Department.

Robert Holden (age 35) was booked on the charge of Domestic Abuse Battery/Child Endangerment by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Cameron Wolfe (age 31) was booked on the charge(s) not listed by Probation and Parole.

Jose Rivera-Matute (age 42) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Tecia Patterson (age 21) was booked on the charges of Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile and Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles/Perform Sexual by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Alexander Hendrix (age 36) was booked on the charges of Theft Less Than 1000 and Theft by the Slidell Police Department.

Courtney Domingue (age 29) was booked on the charges of Obstruction of Justice and Possession of Schedule IV by the Slidell Police Department.

Ryan Rome (age 42) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule I and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.

Dennis Stark (age 58) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear by the Slidell Police Department.

Alesha Bergens (age 36) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.

Scott Mick (age 55) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Thomas Kramer (age 32) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Drug Paraphernalia by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Austin Brown (age 35) was booked on the charge of Violation of Protection Order by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Timothy Smith (age 59) was booked on the charges of Simple Battery, Hate Crimes, and Resisting an Officer by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Keith Pfister (age 65) was booked on the charges of Transactions Involving Proceeds From Drug Offenses, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS, Following Too Close, and Improper Turn by the Louisiana State Police.

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

Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 4-5, 2026

Joseph Penton (age 42 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charge of Simple Burglary by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. 

Demarcus Boston (age 24 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Second Degree Battery, Domestic Abuse Battery, and Domestic Abuse/Child Endangerment by the Bogalusa Police Department. 

Robert Blackburn (age 77 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Obscenity and Indecent Behavior With Juvenile(s) by the Bogalusa Police Department. 

Mark Galloway (age 58 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery and Aggravated Assault/Domestic Violence by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. 

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

Obituary

Brenda Bates

October 27, 1975 - October 4, 2026