Latest news with #TPSO
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
New Orleans man sentenced in series of Jefferson Parish robberies
JEFFERSON PARISH, La. (WGNO) — A New Orleans man, convicted of a series of robberies in Jefferson Parish, has been sentenced. According to documents filed with the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office, 56-year-old Larry Davis robbed four people at three businesses all on March 28, 2019. The investigation revealed the 'armed robbery spree' began at 3:30 a.m. in the 1700 block of Veterans Memorial Boulevard. There, Davis reportedly entered the business dressed in black with his face covered and a small silver semiautomatic pistol. TPSO employee accused of nonconsensual share of nude photos Documents state Davis robbed the cashier and a customer as he attempted to pay for items. Hours later at 9:25 a.m., Davis reportedly entered a Bridge City store in the 8900 block of Westbank Expressway and asked the cashier for cigarettes before demanding cash with the gun in hand. District attorney officials said that before the third robbery, Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office deputies had identified Davis and his getaway driver, 35-year-old Israel Jonathan Freeman, from fingerprints on a till found by an off-duty officer. After the third robbery, a JPSO deputy working an off-duty detail in Avondale, spotted their white Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck and attempted to pull them over. The suspects led deputies on chase across the Huey P. Long Bridge at 90 mph. Deputies said they lost sigh of the truck but were later alerted that the truck was found abandoned. Davis was later caught in the 100 block of Houma Boulevard. Baton Rouge man accused of helping New Orleans inmate arrested on drug charges On May 12, 2025, Davis appeared in court but refused to leave the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center to attend the remaining days. He was sentenced to 30 years each for the four armed robbery counts and includes a five-year firearm enhancement resulting in a 120-year sentence, DA officials said Freeman escaped that day but was arrested in Mississippi on April 10. He pleaded guilty as charged and was sentence to 15 Orleans man sentenced in series of Jefferson Parish robberies Fetterman claims media trying to 'smear' him over missed votes, absences Trump administration asks Supreme Court to lift judge's new block on mass layoffs TPSO employee accused of nonconsensual share of nude photos Nadler demands congressional investigation into DHS detention of staffer Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office warns of deadly ‘pink cocaine'
TANGIPAHOA PARISH, La. (WGNO) — Officials with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office are warning of a drug known as 'pink cocaine,' which has been associated with several recent suspected overdose deaths in the south end of the parish. According to the TPSO, in the seven days leading up to Friday, May 30, four people, ranging from 25 to 60-years-old died of suspected overdose, with 'pink cocaine,' also known as 'tusi,' being a common element in all four. Former Grand Isle councilman convicted of child sex abuse Officials say the drug is a pink powdery substance which, despite its colloquial name, doesn't actually contain cocaine and is dyed to be pink. Instead, the Drug Enforcement Agency clarifies that it is found to be made with Ketamine, MDMA (Ecstasy,) methamphetamine and fentanyl. The drug is known to result in a 'mind-altering' experience, with the TPSO warning that the version circulating in the area is proving to be highly fatal. While people should avoid all illegal drugs, the TPSO is hoping to raise awareness of this drug in particular, asking that anyone who encounters it refrain from using it and issue a report to the sheriff's Parish Sheriff's Office warns of deadly 'pink cocaine' Former Grand Isle councilman convicted of child sex abuse Several states call for tighter restrictions on SNAP benefits Woman killed in Metairie house fire President Trump gives Elon Musk an Oval Office send-off Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Additional arrests made in Tangipahoa Parish jailbreak case
TANGIPAHOA PARISH, La. (WGNO) —The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office has made additional arrests in connection to the escape of 22-year-old Tra'Von Johnson. According to the TPSO, 37-year-old Dameon Booth was located with Johnson in the Bennet Road area of Amite. He was arrested for principle to simple escape and aggravated escape. He also had outstanding warrants for burglary and theft. 28-year-old Trevon Wallace was rebooked following the escape for allegedly helping Johnson get over the fence. He has been charged with criminal damage to property following reported destructive behavior in his new cell. Eight inmates captured, two still at large following Orleans Parish jailbreak Wallace was transferred to Livingston Parish to await trial on charges that include aggravated assault with a firearm, theft, simple battery and resisting an officer back in February 2024. Before his escape, Johnson was awaiting trial for his alleged role in a 2020 home invasion that left a man dead, and the victim's child injured. He's charged with murder and attempted murder. Those who have additional information related to this case can call the TPSO's Criminal Investigations Division at 985-902-2088 or Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at Jr. ends COVID shot recommendation for healthy kids, pregnant women Additional arrests made in Tangipahoa Parish jailbreak case President Trump appears to lose patience with Putin Authorities search Natchez area for New Orleans jail escapee Best Buy to open at midnight for Nintendo Switch 2 launch Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Man escapes Louisiana jail for 2nd time as separate manhunt for New Orleans inmates continues
Amid the ongoing manhunt for five escaped Orleans Parish Correctional Facility inmates, a repeat escapee broke out of another jail in a nearby Louisiana parish. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office (TPSO) said that Tra'Von Johnson, 19, had escaped from the jail on Thursday afternoon when another inmate helped lift him over the perimeter fence. Johnson, who is awaiting trial in connection with a deadly 2022 home invasion, also escaped from the same jail in May of last year, according to a TPSO Facebook post. He was recaptured Friday just a few miles away from the jail, according to the sheriff's office. New Orleans Jail Inmates Charged With Murder And Other Crimes Escape Tangipahoa Parish is about 80 miles from Orleans Parish, where 10 inmates escaped from jail on May 16, sparking a manhunt by 200 state, local and federal law enforcement agents. That manhunt is still underway. Read On The Fox News App The sheriff's office said that Johnson escaped at 4:30 p.m. Thursday and that it did not learn of the escape until about 10 p.m. It became aware of the escape only after receiving "a call from the public questioning whether Johnson was still in custody." "TPSO engaged its partner law enforcement agencies to assist with not only locating Johnson, but also alerting victims and communicating with Johnson's relatives and known associates," the sheriff's office said in the Facebook post. "At the same time, jail staff confirmed Johnson was the only inmate missing and the investigation into the escape, from beginning to end, began." Johnson and two others allegedly involved in the home invasion, along with a fourth person, escaped from the jail on May 26, 2024 after breaching a "vulnerable section of the perimeter fence," Fox 8 reported at the time. While authorities search for Johnson, they also continue to search for two inmates, including a four-time convicted killer, who escaped New Orleans' primary jail on May 16. Ten men are accused of removing a toilet from their cell in the Orleans Parish Correctional Facility, cutting a hole in the wall and running through an unoccupied corridor, eventually hopping the jail's fence to freedom. In that case, too, jail authorities were unaware of the escape until about several hours after it occurred, sparking questions about the competency of law enforcement officials, including Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO) Sheriff Susan Hutson. On Thursday, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams blasted Hutson, whom he said neglected to order a complete investigation into the prison cell crime scene. "Time is also of the essence when trying to get good DNA samples or collect fingerprints to make sure those areas are not molested or destroyed in any way," he said during a news conference. "So I am deeply concerned that there was not an immediate request by the sheriff to our local crime lab to get in there and examine, document, preserve and collect all of the forensic evidence that was available there so that we could already have it tested." Democratic Lawmakers Demand Louisiana Sheriff Resign After 10 Inmates Escape Jail So far, 13 people have been arrested for allegedly aiding the 10 escapees, including 33-year-old Sterling Williams, the OPSO employee who served as a maintenance worker in the jail. He was charged with 10 counts of principal to simple escape and one count of malfeasance in office and is being held on $1.1 million bond. An inmate inside the jail, 23-year-old Trevon Williams, has been rebooked on 10 counts of principal to simple escape for allegedly giving the escapees a blanket and shirt to help them hop the razor-wire fence during their escape. While Sterlin and Trevon Williams are accused of helping from the inside, several others are accused of helping the escapees after they broke out. Over the weekend, 28-year-old Lenika Vanburen, 18-year-old Patricia Vanburen, 27-year-old Tyshanea "Minnie" Randolph, 47-year-old Lenton Vanburen Sr. and 40-year-old Angel McKey were arrested for allegedly aiding escapee Lenton Vanburen. Vanburen Sr. is Vanburen's father, a source confirmed to Fox News. Emmitt Weber, 28, was also arrested for helping two of the inmates after the escape. So was Casey Smith, 30, who reportedly admitted to driving some of the inmates around New Orleans after they escaped. Last week, two women, Cortnie Harris, 32, and Corvanntay Baptiste, 38, were also arrested for assisting the fugitives. They are also being held at the Plaquemines County Jail. Harris is being held on a $2.5 million bond, and Baptiste on a $1 million bond. Harris is accused of transporting some of the escapees to locations throughout New Orleans after the escape, and Baptiste is accused of being in contact with escapee Corey Boyd and bringing him food after the escape. Louisiana Governor Blasts 'Progressive Promises' After New Orleans Jail Escape Sources close to the investigation told Fox News that Baptiste is the girlfriend of now-recaptured Boyd, who is accused of second-degree murder, and Harris is the girlfriend of Leo Tate, who is still on the run. On Thursday night, the Louisiana State Police announced that it had arrested Connie Weeden, 59, who allegedly sent cash to fugitive Jermaine Donald via a cellphone app. She was charged with one felony count of accessory after the fact and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center. After a volley of arrests Monday, three more of the escaped inmates are back in custody. Vanburen was arrested in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and will face new charges related to his escape, along with prior charges of parole violation, possession of firearm by felon, and illegal carrying of a weapon. Fellow jail breakers Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald were arrested in Walker County, Texas, by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Louisiana State Police said the duo led Texas police on a high-speed chase before they were taken into custody. The following five inmates remain on the run: Antoine Massey, 32, faces charges of domestic abuse involving strangulation, theft of a motor vehicle and a parole violation. Derrick Groves, 27, faces three counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder and battery of a correctional facility employee. Fox News Digital reached out to the Louisiana State Police and Attorney General Liz Murrill's office. Fox News' Louis Casiano, Christina Shaw and Nate Foy contributed to this report. Original article source: Man escapes Louisiana jail for 2nd time as separate manhunt for New Orleans inmates continues
Fox News
6 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Man escapes Louisiana jail for 2nd time as separate manhunt for New Orleans inmates continues
Amid the ongoing manhunt for five escaped Orleans Parish Correctional Facility inmates, a repeat escapee broke out of another jail in a nearby Louisiana parish. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office (TPSO) said that Tra'Von Johnson, 19, had escaped from the jail on Thursday afternoon when another inmate helped lift him over the perimeter fence. Johnson, who is awaiting trial in connection with a deadly 2022 home invasion, also escaped from the same jail in May of last year, according to a TPSO Facebook post. He was recaptured Friday just a few miles away from the jail, according to the sheriff's office. Tangipahoa Parish is about 80 miles from Orleans Parish, where 10 inmates escaped from jail on May 16, sparking a manhunt by 200 state, local and federal law enforcement agents. That manhunt is still underway. The sheriff's office said that Johnson escaped at 4:30 p.m. Thursday and that it did not learn of the escape until about 10 p.m. It became aware of the escape only after receiving "a call from the public questioning whether Johnson was still in custody." "TPSO engaged its partner law enforcement agencies to assist with not only locating Johnson, but also alerting victims and communicating with Johnson's relatives and known associates," the sheriff's office said in the Facebook post. "At the same time, jail staff confirmed Johnson was the only inmate missing and the investigation into the escape, from beginning to end, began." Johnson and two others allegedly involved in the home invasion, along with a fourth person, escaped from the jail on May 26, 2024 after breaching a "vulnerable section of the perimeter fence," Fox 8 reported at the time. While authorities search for Johnson, they also continue to search for two inmates, including a four-time convicted killer, who escaped New Orleans' primary jail on May 16. Ten men are accused of removing a toilet from their cell in the Orleans Parish Correctional Facility, cutting a hole in the wall and running through an unoccupied corridor, eventually hopping the jail's fence to freedom. In that case, too, jail authorities were unaware of the escape until about several hours after it occurred, sparking questions about the competency of law enforcement officials, including Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO) Sheriff Susan Hutson. On Thursday, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams blasted Hutson, whom he said neglected to order a complete investigation into the prison cell crime scene. "Time is also of the essence when trying to get good DNA samples or collect fingerprints to make sure those areas are not molested or destroyed in any way," he said during a news conference. "So I am deeply concerned that there was not an immediate request by the sheriff to our local crime lab to get in there and examine, document, preserve and collect all of the forensic evidence that was available there so that we could already have it tested." So far, 13 people have been arrested for allegedly aiding the 10 escapees, including 33-year-old Sterling Williams, the OPSO employee who served as a maintenance worker in the jail. He was charged with 10 counts of principal to simple escape and one count of malfeasance in office and is being held on $1.1 million bond. An inmate inside the jail, 23-year-old Trevon Williams, has been rebooked on 10 counts of principal to simple escape for allegedly giving the escapees a blanket and shirt to help them hop the razor-wire fence during their escape. While Sterlin and Trevon Williams are accused of helping from the inside, several others are accused of helping the escapees after they broke out. Over the weekend, 28-year-old Lenika Vanburen, 18-year-old Patricia Vanburen, 27-year-old Tyshanea "Minnie" Randolph, 47-year-old Lenton Vanburen Sr. and 40-year-old Angel McKey were arrested for allegedly aiding escapee Lenton Vanburen. Vanburen Sr. is Vanburen's father, a source confirmed to Fox News. Emmitt Weber, 28, was also arrested for helping two of the inmates after the escape. So was Casey Smith, 30, who reportedly admitted to driving some of the inmates around New Orleans after they escaped. Last week, two women, Cortnie Harris, 32, and Corvanntay Baptiste, 38, were also arrested for assisting the fugitives. They are also being held at the Plaquemines County Jail. Harris is being held on a $2.5 million bond, and Baptiste on a $1 million bond. Harris is accused of transporting some of the escapees to locations throughout New Orleans after the escape, and Baptiste is accused of being in contact with escapee Corey Boyd and bringing him food after the escape. Sources close to the investigation told Fox News that Baptiste is the girlfriend of now-recaptured Boyd, who is accused of second-degree murder, and Harris is the girlfriend of Leo Tate, who is still on the run. On Thursday night, the Louisiana State Police announced that it had arrested Connie Weeden, 59, who allegedly sent cash to fugitive Jermaine Donald via a cellphone app. She was charged with one felony count of accessory after the fact and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center. After a volley of arrests Monday, three more of the escaped inmates are back in custody. Vanburen was arrested in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and will face new charges related to his escape, along with prior charges of parole violation, possession of firearm by felon, and illegal carrying of a weapon. Fellow jail breakers Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald were arrested in Walker County, Texas, by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Louisiana State Police said the duo led Texas police on a high-speed chase before they were taken into custody. The following five inmates remain on the run: Fox News Digital reached out to the Louisiana State Police and Attorney General Liz Murrill's office.
