Illegal Narcotic Sales

A 22-year-old Jena man is facing drug charges after selling illegal narcotics to an undercover operative, according to Sheriff Scott Franklin.

Quinn Johnson, 22, of Jena, LA, was arrested last Wednesday, July 1, 2015, and charged with distribution of illegal narcotics.  Based on evidence that Johnson sold synthetic cannabis to an undercover operative, a warrant was obtained for his arrest.

Johnson was booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail on charges of distribution of CDS I (synthetic cannabis), and criminal conspiracy to distribute CDS I (synthetic cannabis).

Jena, LA Man Facing Drug and Other Charges

A Jena man is facing a drug charge as well as other charges after detectives located him to serve an arrest warrant last week.

On Monday, July 6, LPSO detectives made contact with Nathan Nobles, 22, of Jena, LA, with a warrant for charges of unauthorized use of an access card and criminal conspiracy.  Detectives located Nobles in the parking lot of a Jena, LA, business and arrested him. During a search of his person, detectives located a small baggie of suspected methamphetamine and a syringe.

Nobles was transported to the LaSalle Parish Jail and booked on charges of unauthorized use of an access card, criminal conspiracy, possession of CDS II (methamphetamine), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bond was set at $21,500, and as of press time on Monday, July 13, 2015, Nobles remained in the LaSalle Parish Jail in lieu of bond.

Tullos, LA Woman Facing Two Narcotic Charges

Following an investigation by the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office, 23-year-old Matilda Holmes of Tullos, LA faces charges for distribution of illegal narcotics, reports Sheriff Scott Franklin.  Holmes was arrested Tuesday, August 4, 2015, based on a warrant obtained from evidence that she sold synthetic cannabis to an undercover operative.

Holmes was arrested in Caldwell Parish and transported back to the LaSalle Parish Jail where she was booked on the charges of distribution of CDS I (synthetic cannabis) and criminal conspiracy to distribute CDS I (synthetic cannabis).  Bond was set at $60,000 on these charges and she remains in custody for the Office of Louisiana Probation and Parole.

Two Men Facing Drug Charges

Two Jena, LA, men are facing narcotic charges following their arrests last week, according to LaSalle Sheriff Scott Franklin.  Andrew Peppers, 29, of Jena, was arrested shortly after midnight on October 8, 2015 for possessing illegal drugs.  Jeddy Hamilton, 17, also of Jena was booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail on Friday, October 9, 2015 for distribution of illegal narcotics.

Peppers arrest stemmed from a LaSalle Parish Deputy noticing a vehicle parked on the private parking lot of a Jena, LA, business.  Since the business was closed, and the possibility of a break in existed, the Deputy entered the parking lot. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Andrew Peppers.  During a conversation with Peppers, the deputy learned that Peppers driver’s license was suspended.   A Town of Jena Police Officer also arrived on the scene. During a search of Peppers’ vehicle, suspected methamphetamine was found, along with drug paraphernalia.

Peppers’ was transported to the LPSO Jail and booked for the charges of Possession of CDS II (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Expired MVI, Tail Light, and Driving Under Suspension.  As of press time, Peppers remained in the Parish Jail awaiting bond hearing.

Jeddy Hamilton, 17, of Jena, was arrested and booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail as a result of a joint investigation between the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Jena Police Department.  LPSO Narcotic Detectives along with Jena Police obtained evidence that Hamilton sold marijuana in the Jena Town Park – based on the evidence a warrant was obtained.  Hamilton was booked for the charge of Distribution of CDS I (Marijuana) and bond was set at $30,000.

In a joint statement, Sheriff Franklin and Jena Chief of Police Scott McLendon commended the officers for their professionalism in handling these cases and making the arrests. “Both our departments are committed to getting those who would sell drugs and/or use them off our streets to make our community safer,” the officials stated.

Two Jena, LA Men Facing Illegal Narcotic Charges

Two Jena men were arrested and are facing illegal narcotic charges following a joint investigation between the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Jena Police Department, according to Sheriff Scott Franklin.

Darron Harris, 23, of Jena, LA, was arrested Friday, October 16, 2015, for distribution of illegal narcotics, stemming from a joint investigation between the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Jena Police Department. LPSO narcotic detectives, along with officers from the Jena Police Department, obtained evidence that Harris sold marijuana and synthetic cannabis on two different occasions.  Based on this evidence, a warrant was obtained.

Harris was booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail on the charges of distribution of CDS I (marijuana), distribution of CDS I (synthetic cannabis), and criminal conspiracy to distribute synthetic cannabis.

Gavin Paul, 18, of Jena, LA, was also arrested Friday, October 16, 2015, as a result of the joint investigation. Evidence was obtained that Paul conspired with Darron Harris in the distribution of synthetic cannabis.

Paul was booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail on the charges of conspiracy to distribute CDS I (synthetic cannabis) and misdemeanor theft.

Sheriff Franklin and Jena Chief of Police Scott McLendon commended the officers involved in these two arrests and for their outstanding work in the cases.

“Both of us agree that one of our primary responsibilities to the citizens of our community is to get illegal narcotics off the streets and out of the hands of our children. Our officers will continue efforts to enforce all laws, including drug laws, as crimes are committed within our communities,” Franklin and McLendon stated.

Two Women Facing Distribution Charges

Two Trout women were arrested the day after Thanksgiving and are facing distribution of narcotic charges, according to LaSalle Sheriff Scott Franklin.

The two females were arrested Friday, Nov. 27, 2015, by narcotic detectives with the LPSO for distribution of controlled dangerous substances.

LPSO obtained evidence of the pair selling prescription medication, and based on the evidence, warrants were obtained for their arrest.

Carolyn Kabalka, 45, of Trout, was arrested and charged with distribution of CDS III, hydrocodone.

Maggie Davis, 55, of Trout, was arrested and charged with distribution of CDS III, hydrocodone, and on a previous warrant for criminal damage to property.

The pair were transported to the LaSalle Parish Jail in Jena and booked on the said charges. As of press time on Monday, they were awaiting a bond hearing.

Olla Man Faces Three Distribution Charges

A 31-year-old Olla man is facing three charges of distribution of illegal narcotics following an investigation by narcotic detectives with the LaSalle Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Scott Franklin.

Jeramie L. Anding, 31, of Olla, was booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail on Thursday, November 12, 2015, for distribution of illegal narcotics and as a fugitive from Caldwell Parish.

Based on evidence that Anding sold methamphetamine on three different occasions, warrants were obtained in LaSalle Parish for his arrest.

He was booked on the three charges of distribution of CDS II, methamphetamine, and bond was set at $100,000.

Jena Woman Facing Illegal Drug Charge

A 29-year-old Jena, LA woman is facing an illegal narcotic charge, along with other charges, after being arrested near Jena last Friday, according to Sheriff Scott Franklin.

Ashley D. James, 29, of Jena, was arrested JAN 8, 2016, after detectives with the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office located her at a residence just outside the town of Jena.

James was informed of warrants for her arrest for contempt of Court and probation violation through the office of Louisiana Probation and Parole.  She was also advised of her Miranda rights. Detectives found numerous hydrocodone pills in her possession.

James was transported to the LaSalle Parish Jail and booked on charges of probation violation, possession of CDS II, hydrocodone, and contempt of Court.

A 32-year-old LaSalle Parish woman was arrested last Friday and is facing illegal narcotic charges, according to Sheriff Scott Franklin.

Chauncey Elliott, of the Belah Community near Jena, LA, was arrested Friday, March 4, 2016, after LPSO detectives spoke with her regarding suspected illegal narcotic activity at the home.

During an authorized consent to search, Elliott got into her vehicle and began gathering clothes, then exited the vehicle with several items of clothing.  She informed the officer that she was removing the clothing because of them being dirty. However, a search of the clothing revealed a case rolled up inside of a shirt containing a glass smoking pipe.

The pipe contained a substance that appeared to be suspected methamphetamine. Elliott informed detectives that the substance inside of the pipe was in fact methamphetamine.

She was transported to the LaSalle Parish Jail and booked on charges of possession of CDS II (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

As of press time on Monday, March 7, 2016, Elliott remained in custody awaiting a bond hearing.

A 49-year-old Olla, LA woman is facing numerous illegal narcotic charges following an investigation during a routine traffic stop, according to LaSalle Sheriff Scott Franklin.
A LaSalle Parish Deputy Sheriff stopped a vehicle on LA HWY 127 north of Jena, LA Saturday night, April 30, 2016 for a traffic violation. The deputy identified the driver as Misty D. Wilson, 49, of Olla and noticed that the driver appeared to be very nervous. The LPSO Deputy used his K-9 partner to perform a search of the exterior of the vehicle, during which the K-9 gave a positive alert. A search of the interior of the vehicle revealed a baggie of suspected methamphetamine. Wilson was arrested and transported to the LaSalle Parish Jail in Jena.
Further searches exposed a larger baggie of suspected methamphetamine and a baggie containing hydrocodone. The estimated street value of the methamphetamine is over $2,000.
Misty Wilson was booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail on charges of speeding; possession of CDS II, methamphetamine, with intent to distribute; possession of CDS II, hydrocodone, with intent to distribute; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

LaSalle Parish Sheriff Scott Franklin has announced that two Jena men have been arrested and a third is being sought for the recent crime spree of burglaries of churches in LaSalle Parish over the past three months.

Late last week, the sheriff’s office arrested Michael Chandler Boyd, II, 33, of Jena, and Brandon Clark, 21, of Jena, in connection with the burglaries. The third suspect, Lewis Hayes, Jr. 46, of Jena, is still at large with warrants issued for his arrest.

Boyd was charged with 6 counts of burglary of a religious building and 4 counts of criminal conspiracy to commit burglary of a religious building.

Clark was charged with 4 counts of burglary of a religious building and 4 counts of criminal conspiracy to commit burglary of a religious building. Hayes is facing the same charges as Clark.

The sheriff said after months of intense investigation and pursuing various leads, the case culminated quickly on Tuesday of last week when a tip led them to examine Boyd more closely.

“Our team of investigators have been working night and day, literally, to solve this case and once the dominoes started to fall, they fell quickly,” he said. “Investigators have determined that all of the Jena area churches that have been burglarized over the past three months were committed by these three individuals.”

Franklin noted that evidence of the burglaries was discovered at Boyd’s residence near Jena last Wednesday and his confession implicated Clark and Hayes in the crimes.

The first church to be burglarized in LaSalle Parish was Olla Apostalic Church on June 17, followed by Jena First Baptist Church on June 18. In mid-to-late July Shady Grove United Pentecostal Church and Sanctuary Family Worship Center were burglarized followed by the three most recent burglaries of Trinity Baptist Church, Temple Baptist Church, and Nolley Memorial Methodist Church in August. The sheriff said the three are charged with the burglaries of the Jena area churches while the one in Olla is still under investigation.

If convicted, Boyd faces a possible maximum hard labor prison sentence of 120 years on the 10 counts he is charged with and at least 20 of those years must be served without suspension of sentence, according to the Louisiana statue.

Clark and Hayes are facing a possible maximum hard labor prison sentence of 96 years with at least 16 of those years having to be served without suspension of sentence on the 8 counts they are charged with.

The LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to work with the Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office to help solve their church burglaries as well.

A 28-year-old Jena woman is facing multiple illegal narcotic charges after a search of her home turned up various drugs, according to LaSalle Sheriff Scott Franklin.

Detectives, armed with an arrest warrant, went to a residence on Blade Loop near Jena on Friday, Sept. 9th, to arrest Tammy Passman, 28, of Jena, on the charge of possession of CDS II – methamphetamine.

Detectives located Passman and were given permission to search her home. During the search, detectives found suspected methamphetamine, hydrocodone, diazepam, and drug paraphernalia in her bedroom.

Passman was booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail on the charges of possession of CDS II – hydrocodone, two counts of possession of CDS II  – methamphetamine, possession of CDS IV – diazepam, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of CDS in presence of a minor.

She remains in custody on a probation hold and is awaiting setting of bond on the charges.

Two Men Now Face Felony Theft Charge

Two men, one from Atlanta and the other from Elmer, are facing felony theft charges in LaSalle Parish following their arrest last week, according to LaSalle Parish Sheriff Scott Franklin.

On April 28th of this year, a theft was reported at a residence off Magnolia Loop in LaSalle Parish, with several items missing including tools, ATV, and welding machine.

LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives began an investigation and on June 12, recovered the welding machine. The recovery of the welding machine led to a suspect that was in custody in the Rapides Parish Jail on charges committed in Rapides Parish.

Detectives went to Rapides Parish and spoke with Dalwyn Flournoy, 30, of Atlanta, LA and he confessed to committing the theft.

Flournoy informed detectives that the ATV had been sold, and told them where it could be located. LPSO detectives tracked down the ATV and recovered it in Deville.

During the investigation, it was learned that Nicholas Morino, 37, of Elmer, was also involved in the theft and warrants were obtained.

On Monday, Oct. 17, Flournoy was transported to the LaSalle Parish Jail and booked on the charge of felony theft. His bond was set at $25,000.

On Monday, Oct 24, the LPSO received confirmation that Morino has been arrested in Rapides Parish. He will be transported to the LaSalle Parish Jail and booked on a felony theft charge.

Pineville Man Facing Charges

A 45-year-old Pineville man was arrested on Sunday on illegal narcotic charges, according to LaSalle Sheriff Scott Franklin.

A LaSalle Parish deputy sheriff was dispatched to Big Bend Road Sunday, Oct. 16, due to someone passed out in a vehicle that was sitting on the roadway.

The deputy located the vehicle and spoke to the occupant, identified as Dalton Davidson, 45, of Pineville.

Davidson appeared nervous and under the influence. He was asked to empty his pockets due to the deputy noticing a bulge, and after emptying the pockets, he produced a wooden container that contained suspected marijuana.

Davidson was arrested and booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail on charges of possession of CDS I – marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Two LaSalle Parish men were arrested during the past week and are now facing multiple distribution of illegal narcotic charges, according to LaSalle Sheriff Scott Franklin.

Franklin said the splendid work of the LPSO’s narcotic team led to the arrest of the two individuals, one from Jena and the other from Tullos.

Deantrell Todd, 22, of Jena, was arrested on Tuesday, Dec. 20, for distribution based on evidence that he sold prescription pills.
When Todd was arrested, LPSO detectives found him to be in possession of suspected marijuana and hydrocodone pills.

He was transported to the LaSalle Parish Jail in Jena and booked on charges of distribution of CDS IV – alprazolam, possession of CDS I – marijuana, and possession of CDS II – hydrocodone.

Harold Dewayne Smith, 54, of Tullos, was arrested in east Texas stemming from a distribution warrant obtained by LPSO detectives in December 2015. The warrant was entered into the nationwide database so if any law enforcement officer came across Smith, they would know he had an outstanding warrant.

On Monday, Dec. 19, Smith was transported from Texas to the LaSalle Parish Jail in Jena where he was booked on three counts of distribution of CDS II – methamphetamine.

Sheriff Franklin commended his narcotic officers for their on-going battle to rid the parish of illegal narcotics.
Illegal narcotics activity has slowed quite a bit since Franklin first took office and declared war on illegal drugs. The LPSO narcotic team leaves no rocks unturned in locating and arresting those who would engage in the sale of illegal narcotics in LaSalle Parish, the Sheriff noted.

A fugitive from Florida was apprehended in LaSalle Parish last Thursday and now faces illegal narcotic charges in this parish, according to LaSalle Sheriff Scott Franklin.

On Thursday, Jan. 5, LPSO detectives went to a residence on East Bradford Street in Jena to arrest Chasity McBroom Spinks on a fugitive warrant out of Escambia County, Florida.

While detectives were at the residence, they observed the fugitive as a passenger in a vehicle that pulled into the driveway.
Detectives introduced themselves, and she exited the vehicle with a cloth handbag. Spinks agreed to a search of the bag, and detectives found it to contain suspected methamphetamine.

Spinks, 39, of Jena, was arrested and transported to the LaSalle Parish Jail in Jena where she was booked on the charges of being a fugitive of Escambia County, FL, and for possession of CDS II – methamphetamine.

A 41-year-old Jena man is facing multiple illegal narcotic charges following an investigation by detectives with the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Scott Franklin.

Sedrick Wilson, 41, of Jena, was booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail on Monday, January 9, 2017, for distribution of illegal narcotics.

Based on evidence that Wilson sold methamphetamine on three different occasions in the Good Pine community of LaSalle Parish, a warrant was obtained for his arrest.

Wilson was booked for three counts of distribution of CDS II – methamphetamine, and criminal conspiracy to commit distribution of CDS II – methamphetamine.

He remains in custody on a hold through the office of Louisiana Probation and Parole.

Two women from out of the parish were arrested last Friday and faces illegal narcotic charges in LaSalle Parish, according to LaSalle Sheriff Scott Franklin.

Jessica Hamm, 30, of Alexandria, was arrested Friday, Feb. 24, after deputies responded to a complaint at a residence on Hwy 772 in Trout.

Deputies learned that Hamm was wanted out of Grant Parish for failure to appear, and she was placed under arrest.

Deputies asked Hamm if she had illegal contraband, and she informed of drug paraphernalia in her purse. Deputies removed the drug paraphernalia, and found it contained suspected methamphetamine.

Hamm was transported to the LaSalle Parish Jail and booked for possession of CDS II – methamphetamine, and as a fugitive from Grant Parish. Her bond was set at $7,500.

Also on Friday, Brittney Franklin, 25, of Winnfield, was arrested after LPSO deputies responded to a complaint of criminal damage to property. Deputies located the vehicle involved and made a traffic stop on Hwy 127 in Nebo. The driver was identified to be Brittney Franklin, and she stated that her license was suspended.

Deputies asked her if anything illegal was in the vehicle, and Franklin informed of having weed. A LPSO K-9 unit arrived to assist, and was utilized to search the vehicle. The K-9 gave a positive alert, and deputies located suspected methamphetamine inside the vehicle, along with drug paraphernalia.

Franklin was transported to the LaSalle Parish Jail in Jena and booked on the charges of possession of CDS I – marijuana, possession of CDS II – methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving under suspension.

A 38-year-old Jena man was arrested and booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail on multiple charges following a complaint received last Wednesday, according to LaSalle Sheriff Scott Franklin.

During the night of Saturday, April 15, LPSO deputies responded to a complaint of someone sitting in a vehicle at an oil well on private property, watching television.

When deputies arrived, they observed a white male identified to be Brandon Humphries, 38, of Jena, to be inside the vehicle with a television set hooked up to the car battery with a converter.

Humphries informed deputies of using methamphetamine prior to their arrival, and a LPSO K-9 deputy arrived on the scene to assist. With the use of the K-9 partner, a search was conducted with the K-9 giving a positive alert.

Deputies began searching the vehicle and located five plastic baggies containing suspected methamphetamine. Humphries was also in possession of a chemical from the oil well location.

Humphries was arrested and transported to the LaSalle Parish Jail in Jena and booked on charges of possession of CDS II – methamphetamine, with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal trespass, obscenity, theft of oil and gas equipment, and illegal possession of stolen things.

A 40-year-old Tullos man is facing multiple illegal narcotic charges after his arrest last Wednesday night, according to LaSalle Sheriff Scott Franklin.

Shortly after midnight on Wednesday, April 12, a LaSalle Parish deputy sheriff stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on Warner Road in Olla.

The driver was identified as Justin M. Wiley, 40, of Tullos. During the stop, Wiley reportedly admitted to officers that he had smoked marijuana from a can found in the passenger floorboard.

A LPSO K-9 deputy arrived to assist and used his K-9 partner to search the vehicle, and during the search deputies located a cellophane bag containing suspected methamphetamine.

Wiley was transported to the LaSalle Parish Jail in Jena and booked on charges of failure to use turn signal, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS I – marijuana, and possession of CDS II – methamphetamine.

A 63-year-old Jena man was arrested last Wednesday and booked into the LaSalle Parish Jail on multiple narcotic charges, according to LaSalle Sheriff Scott Franklin.

Lester Tingle was stopped by a LaSalle deputy sheriff for a traffic violation in the Midway Community last Wednesday.

Deputies removed drug paraphernalia, along with a container of white substance from Tingle’s person.

Upon searching his vehicle, deputies located three pill bottles behind the driver’s seat with one containing two different types of hydrocodone.

Tingle was transported to the parish jail and the white substance seized tested postive for cocaine.

Tingle was booked into jail on charges of reckless operation, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of CDS II – cocaine, possession of CDS II – hydrocodone, and obstruction of justice.