October 29, 2026
Three Women Arrested During St. Tammany Drug Investigation
Three women were arrested Tuesday (October 27, 2026) following a nearly month-long investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics in St. Tammany Parish. Arrested were 50-year-old Shannon Keplea of Pearl River, 37-year-old Kayla Carver of Pearl River, and 52-year-old Star Willis of Metairie.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Earlier this month, detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit launched an investigation into two Pearl River residents, Shannon Kepler and Kayla Carver, who were suspected of distributing illegal narcotics throughout the parish. The investigation culminated Tuesday when detectives executed arrest warrants for Kepler and Carver, along with search warrants at two residences: one in the 39000 block of West Porters River Road in Pearl River and another in the 1500 block of Rue Lemans in Slidell.
When detectives arrived at the West Porters River Road residence, they interrupted what was determined to be a drug transaction between Kepler and Star Willis. Detectives recovered methamphetamine associated with the transaction, and both women were taken into custody.
At the Rue Lemans residence, detectives observed Carver drive into the area and attempt to leave after spotting law enforcement. She was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.
During the nearly month-long investigation, STPSO narcotics detectives seized more than 51 grams of methamphetamine, approximately seven grams of marijuana, 11 dosage units of suboxone, seven dosage units of gabapentin, two dosage units of tramadol, two dosage units of alprazolam and one firearm
Shannon Kepler was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the following charges:
- 2 counts L.R.S. 40:967A Distribution of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Methamphetamine)
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:967A Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Methamphetamine)
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:968A Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule III Controlled Dangerous Substance (Suboxone)
- 2 counts L.R.S. 40:969C Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substance (Tramadol & Alprazolam)
- 1 count L.R.S. 14:95E Illegal carrying of a Weapon in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:1060.13 Possession of a Legend Drug without a Prescription (Gabapentin)
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:1023 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- 1 count L.R.S. 14:108 Resisting an Officer
Kayla Carver was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the following charges:
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:967A Distribution of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Methamphetamine)
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:967A Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Methamphetamine)
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:968A Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule III Controlled Dangerous Substance (Suboxone)
- 2 counts L.R.S. 40:969C Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substance (Tramadol & Alprazolam)
- 1 count L.R.S. 14:95E Illegal carrying of a Weapon in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:1060.13 Possession of a Legend Drug without a Prescription (Gabapentin)
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:1023 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Star Willis was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on the following charges:
- 1 count L.R.S. 40:967C Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance (Methamphetamine)
Riverside Medical Center's Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat
Riverside Medical Center invites you to their annual Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat! You can enjoy decorated
trunks, Halloween treats, and clean family fun, all from the comfort of your car! For the safety of all participants, no walkers will be permitted. All attendees must remain in their vehicles throughout the event.
60-Year Prison Sentence for Mandeville Sexual Assault of 65-Year-Old
District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that on Wednesday (October 28, 2026), 50-year-old Arthur James White of Mandeville, Louisiana, was sentenced to 60 years at hard labor without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence for the sexual assault of a 65-year-old victim. The Honorable Judge Tara Farris Zeller handed down the sentence following White’s guilty plea to Sexual Battery of a Victim Over 65 Years of Age.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of May 29, 2021. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence in Mandeville after receiving an emergency call. Upon arrival, deputies located the 65-year-old victim hiding behind bushes in a neighbor’s yard.
While the victim was sleeping on her couch, White forced himself on top of her and shoved a cloth into her mouth to silence her screams before sexually assaulting her. The victim was subsequently transported to St. Tammany Parish Hospital for forensic examination, and White was apprehended at the scene.
During the sentencing hearing, the victim delivered a powerful impact statement in open court. Addressing White directly, she stated:
"I thank God I'm here to make this statement. Five years, 5 months ago, I woke up in the middle of the night to see this person standing over me - next thing I know, he's on top of me. I said Stop. I tried to scream. He shoved a rag down my throat. I remember you telling me when you were on top of me...you said, 'I'm doing this because I'm going to prison for the rest of my life anyway.' Today I'm saying to you...Yes, you are. You raped me."
A statement from another victim previously targeted by White over a decade ago was also read aloud by the DA’s Office Victim Assistance Coordinator: "Although it happened over a decade ago, he sought me out. I'm writing this letter for her and for a piece of myself I can never get back."
District Attorney Collin Sims commended the victim’s resilience and the collaborative work of law enforcement and prosecutors:
"Today's 60-year sentence ensures that a dangerous predator will spend the rest of his life behind bars where he belongs. I want to commend the victim for her immense bravery in speaking out and holding this offender accountable, as well as the victim who came forward from his past. Our office remains steadfast in our commitment to seeking justice for victims of sexual violence and removing dangerous offenders from our community."
The case was investigated by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Tiffany Dover and Taylor Nicholson.
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 83. East wind around 5 mph.
Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
October 28, 2026
AG Liz Murrill's Office Arrests Slidell Woman and Mississippi Man on Charges of Sex Crimes Against Children, Including First-Degree Rape
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill's Office reports that a NCMEC Cybertip submitted by a private
citizen reported that an adult female produced and distributed images/videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) involving a toddler in St. Tammany Parish and that those images were distributed to an adult male in Mississippi.
Agents identified the reported female as 47-year-old Lacy Marie Amedio of Slidell, as well as the child(ren) involved. Further investigation determined that Amedio committed sex acts upon at least one child as well as produced CSAM involving this child and at least one other. Amedio then electronically distributed the CSAM content to another party, identified as 36-year-old Corey Dewayne Monk of Walnut Grove, Mississippi.
Amedio was arrested on October 23, 2026 for the following charges:
- 14:81.1 (Possession) of Child Sexual Abuse Material under the Age of Thirteen (Felony); 3 counts
- 14:81.1-- (Production of) Child Sexual Abuse Material under the Age of Thirteen-- (Felony); 6 counts
- 14:81--Indecent Behavior with Juveniles-- (Felony); 6 counts
- 14:42-- First Degree Rape (under the Age of Thirteen)-- (Felony); 2 counts
- 14:43.1-- Sexual Battery (under the Age of Thirteen)-- (Felony); 4 counts
Monk was arrested by Mississippi law enforcement at his residence, pursuant to a Louisiana arrest warrant, on October 26, 2026 for the following charges:
- LA R.S. 14:24-- Principals (to 14:81.1 Child Sexual Abuse Material under the Age of Thirteen-(1) count
- LA R.S. 14:24-- Principals (to 14:42 First Degree Rape-under the Age of Thirteen-(1) count
This arrest was the result of a joint investigation involving the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Slidell Police Department, Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, and Scott County (MS) Sheriff’s Office
Amedio was issued a bond of $2,000,000, while Monk’s bond information is currently unknown. The investigation remains ongoing.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 27, 2026
Carrie Johnson (age 45) was booked on the charge of Simple Battery by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
David Jost (age 70) was booked on the charge of Disturbing the Peace/Drunkenness by the Mandeville Police Department.
Marvin Smith (age 67) was booked on the charge of Misdemeanor Sexual Battery by the Madisonville Police Department.
Jamar Francis (age 39) was booked on the charges of Battery of a Dating Partner With Strangulation and Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Camerin White (age 25) was booked on the charge of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond by Bondsman.
Katherine Henderson (age 42) was booked on the charge of Court Sanction by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Emanuel Hill (age 21) was booked on the charge of Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Jerry Babineaux (age 61) was booked on the charges of Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond and Contempt of Court (2 counts) by Bondsman.
Hamrick Selby (age 41) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (2 counts) and Surrender of Defendant/Bondsman Off Bond by Bondsman.
Johnnie Miller (age 38) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Louisiana State Police.
Raheem Harris (age 27) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Elaysha Washington (age 25) was booked on the charge of Contempt of Court by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Clarence Stewart (age 40) was booked on the charges of Contempt of Court (4 counts) and Failure to Honor Written Promise to Appear (2 counts) by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Jaroby Quijada (age 18) was booked on the charge(s) not listed by the Slidell Police Department.
Shannon Kepler (age 50) was booked on the charges of Manufacture/Distribution Schedule II CDS (2 counts), Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule III CDS, Possession Schedule IV (2 counts), Sale Distribution or Possession of Legend Drug Without Prescription, Illegal Carrying of Weapon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Resisting an Officer by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Star Willis (age 52) was booked on the charge of Possession of Schedule II by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Connie Dickinson (age 63) was booked on the charges of Second Degree Rape, Crime Against Nature, Sexual Battery, and Indecent Behavior With a Juvenile by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Covington-Area Man Arrested for Possession of Child Porn and Bestiality
Marcus Schech, age 18 and of the Covington-area, has been arrested (once again) following an
investigation that uncovered hundreds of images depicting child sexual abuse material and bestiality. An investigation conducted by detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, who also serve on the multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, led to the October 20, 2026 arrest of Schech after a forensic examination of his electronic devices revealed hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material and bestiality.
The investigation began after the ICAC Task Force received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. On August 20, 2026, Investigators executed a search warrant at Schech’s residence in the 100 block of North Drive in Covington with the assistance of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and the Covington Police Department. During that initial search, investigators discovered five images of child sexual abuse material, leading to Schech’s initial arrest. Several electronic devices belonging to Schech were seized at that time for further examination. A forensic examination of those devices revealed an additional 373 images of CSAM and 25 images of bestiality. As a result of those findings, Schech was arrested again on October 20, 2026 by members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, which includes a detective assigned from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
TPSO Arrests Man for Robbery and Choking K-9 Thor
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) has arrested 20-year-old Latrail James for robbing a gas
station and trying to injure a K-9 officer. James has been booked on one count of 1st Degree Robbery, Unauthorized Entry of a Business, Resisting an Officer and Battery on a Police Officer.
James is pictured on the left. K-9 Thor is pictured on the right,
On Tuesday (October 27, 2026) morning, TPSO received a report about a robbery at a convenience store in the 42000 block of Airport Road in Hammond. Deputies arrived to learn an individual with a pink mask came into the store wearing a backpack, claimed he had a gun, and stole items from behind the counter before getting away on a bicycle.
K-9 Thor was deployed to the area to assist with the search for the suspect. Thor located the individual in a field behind a neighboring business and apprehended him. As deputies approached Thor and the suspect, they observed the suspect choking the K-9 deputy and were quickly able to separate the suspect from Thor.
James was treated at a local hospital before being booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. Thor was also cleared after an evaluation.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Washington Parish Jail Bookings for October 27, 2026
Delma Smith (age 59 with no address listed) was booked on the charge of Driving While Intoxicated (2nd
Offense) by the Louisiana State Police.
Acquenetta Williams (age 37 with a Franklinton, La. address) was booked on the charges of Cruelty to a Juvenile(s)/2 counts by the Franklinton Police Department.
Dwayne Morgan (age 18 with a Bogalusa, La. address) was booked on the charges of Pornography Involving Juvenile(s) and Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile by the Bogalusa Police Department.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
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 83. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Calm wind.
Thursday Sunny, with a high near 84. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
October 27, 2026
UPDATE: Brandon Williams Sentenced to 56 Years for Rape and Domestic Abuse
District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that on October 26, 2026, Brandon Justin Lee Williams, age
38 and of New Orleans, was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Tara Farris Zeller to 56 years at hard labor for violent offenses committed against a mother and her children.
Judge Zeller ordered the following sentences to run consecutively to each other:
- Second Degree Rape – 40 years at hard labor without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence
- Domestic Abuse Battery Involving Serious Bodily Injury – 3 years at hard labor
- Count 3: Domestic Abuse Battery Involving Child Endangerment – 3 years at hard labor
- Count 4: Cruelty to Juveniles – 10 years at hard labor
Williams was found guilty on all counts by a St. Tammany Parish jury on September 23, 2026, following an investigation by the Slidell Police Department into multiple incidents of domestic abuse and sexual violence. After failing to appear for the jury’s verdict, Williams fled justice but was subsequently apprehended in Lake Charles by the United States Marshals Service on October 6, 2026.
Click here for previous stories
Although the survivor chose not to be physically present in the courtroom to protect her emotional well-being, her victim impact statement was read into the court record on her behalf by the District Attorney's Office Victim Assistance Coordinator. In her statement, she addressed her path to healing and justice:
"Today, I choose not to be defined as a victim, but to stand proudly as a survivor...I am asking this Court for accountability, acknowledgment, and justice. I ask that the Court recognize the seriousness of the emotional, physical, sexual, financial, and domestic abuse I endured and the lasting impact it has had on my life and the lives of my children…Today, I choose healing over hurt, courage over fear, and peace over chaos."
"Today’s 56-year sentence reflects the heinous nature of this defendant's actions and ensures he will no longer pose a threat to this family or our community," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "This courageous survivor endured years of harrowing abuse and threats, yet her voice was heard loud and clear in court today. While no sentence can erase the trauma inflicted upon her and her children, we hope this measure of justice brings them the peace, safety, and closure they so deeply deserve."
Assistant District Attorneys Zachary Popovich and Taylor Nicholson prosecuted the case.
St. Tammany Parish Jail Bookings for October 26, 2026
Bryan Tircuit (age 51) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Madison Mehrtens (age 35) was booked on the charge of Probation Violation by Probation and Parole.
Emily Stevens (age 24) was booked on the charges of Possession Schedule IV and Violations of Registration Provisions by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Eldon Juneau (age 49) was booked on the charge of Fugitive by the Covington Police Department.
Samuel Vicari (age 41) was booked on the charge of Theft by the Mandeville Police Department.
Arthur White (age 50) was booked on the charge of Housed for Court by the 22nd Judicial Court.
Taylor Wade (age 33) was booked on the charge of Unauthorized Use of Moveable by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
Monique Ramberan (age 45) was booked on the charges of Possession of Schedule II and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by the Slidell Police Department.
Austin Grant (age 33) was booked on the charges of Domestic Abuse Battery/Strangulation, False Imprisonment, and Violation of Protection Order by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Franklinton Gets Safe Haven Baby Box – An Anonymous Infant Surrender Option
Press Release from the Franklinton Fire Department
Safe Haven Baby Boxes and the community of Franklinton are pleased to announce the blessing and official unveiling of the newest Safe Haven Baby Box, located at Franklinton Fire Department, 415 11th Avenue, Franklinton, LA 70438.
The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 5 PM CST. This Baby Box marks the 488th Safe Haven Baby Box location in the nation and the 3rd in Louisiana, expanding access to safe, anonymous surrender options for mothers in crisis.
We would like to give a special thank-you to Senator Beth Mizell and Amy Barkerding. Their commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring families have safe options has made a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for their efforts in making this life-saving resource a reality.
Monica Kelsey, Founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, shared, "Every Baby Box we bless is a promise to a mother in crisis that she is not alone and that her baby's life matters. Because the people of Franklinton stepped up, a parent who feels out of options now has a safe, legal, and anonymous one close to home. We pray this box is never needed, but if it is, Franklinton will be ready."
The public is encouraged to attend this community event and learn more about how Safe Haven Baby Boxes help protect vulnerable infants and support parents who choose a safe, legal alternative in moments of crisis.
TPSO Arrests Hammond Man for Internet Sex Crimes (39 Counts)
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force has arrested 52-year-old Charles Stewart, II of Hammond in its latest operation. Stewart has been booked on 39 counts of Pornography Involving Juveniles Under the Age of 13.
This investigation began last month and originated with our statewide ICAC Task Force partners in Livingston Parish. Through the investigation, it was learned the upload activity was actually occurring in Tangipahoa Parish and the case was referred to the TPSO ICAC Unit.
Once the activity was traced back to Stewart, a warrant was obtained for his arrest and he was taken into custody Tuesday (October 27, 2026) morning. Several electronic devices were also seized and will be analyzed for additional evidence, and possible charges, in this case.
This activity is part of TPSO’s partnership with Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Office and their ICAC Task Force which includes a collaboration with numerous local law enforcement agencies.
Franklinton Man Sentenced to 50 Years as Triple Offender for Production of Child Pornography
District Attorney J. Collin Sims reports that Lindsey M. Dykes, age 32 and of Franklinton, Louisiana, was sentenced Monday (October 26, 2026) to 50 years at hard labor without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence as a triple offender.
Dykes was previously sentenced on February 11, 2026, by Judge William H. Burris following his December 2025 unanimous jury conviction on four felony counts. At that initial hearing, Judge Burris sentenced Dykes to serve 20 years at hard labor for Production of Child Pornography, 20 years at hard labor for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and 10 years at hard labor for Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile, with all sentences ordered to run concurrently.
Following that initial sentencing, the District Attorney’s Office filed a Multiple Offender Bill seeking to enhance Dykes’ status based on his prior criminal history, which includes a prior conviction for attempted simple rape.
At Monday's hearing, Judge Martin Coady sentenced Dykes on Count Three, Production of Child Pornography of a Juvenile, as a triple offender to 50 years without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. During the emotional proceeding, the victim’s father addressed the court, detailing the impact of the defendant's crimes on his child and family.
Dykes' convictions stem from a December 2025 four-day jury trial on the following charges:
- Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile
- Production of Child Pornography of a Juvenile
- Possession of a Firearm by a Felon Convicted of Certain Felonies
- Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance, Schedule I (Marijuana)
Click here for a previous related story
Assistant District Attorneys Zack Popovich and Le’Anne Malnar prosecuted the case, following a collaborative investigation by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office (EBRSO), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO).
“When we filed the triple offender bill, we pledged to use the full weight of the law to hold this repeat predator accountable,” said District Attorney Collin Sims. “This 50-year sentence without parole ensures he will no longer pose a threat to our community. We are deeply grateful for the courage shown by the victim and their family, and our office remains unwavering in our commitment to seeking justice for every child.”
The District Attorney’s Office continues to prioritize the privacy and protection of the juvenile victims and will offer no further comment regarding the trial proceedings.
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