Locally owned newspaper specializing in community news and happenings
Operating as usual
The Union Parish Police Jury is hiring for the following positions:
Class A and B CDL Drivers
Equipment Operators
Laborers
Excellent Benefits:
Health Insurance
Retirement System
Paid Holidays
Vacation and Sick Leave
Applications can be obtained at the Police Jury Office @ 303 East Water Street, Farmerville, LA.
DOWNSVILLE DISTURBANCE LEADS TO AGGRAVATED ASSAULT ARREST
On 3/27/2023, the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible stabbing at a residence near Downsville. Dispatchers were informed that the suspect had caused a disturbance and an elderly male had been injured. Prior to deputies’ arrival, the other household members left to take the victim to receive medical aid. Upon arrival deputies located the suspect as he was exiting the residence.
Deputies began investigating the incident and learned Nathan Kyle Zaricor, age 31, with no permanent address, had arrived at the residence a short time before and asked for a ride. After the elderly female resident agreed, they got into the vehicle. Witnesses advised deputies that Zaricor then grabbed the female and forcibly removed her from behind the wheel, took the keys, and started the vehicle. An elderly male at the location began trying to reason with him but Zaricor produced a knife and began swinging the knife at the elderly male, the elderly female, and two additional victims, one being a juvenile. The elderly male armed himself with a wooden walking stick and began trying to knock the knife from Zaricor’s hand. Zaricor then took the stick from the victim and struck him on the head causing major injuries. Zaricor then began chasing the remaining residents around the property with the victim’s walking stick and a knife. They were able to get away from Zaricor and into a vehicle as they left to seek medical aid for the elderly male.
When deputies arrived at the residence, the suspect was observed exiting the house. The investigation revealed that Zaricor had taken $90 in cash, belonging to the elderly female. Both elderly victims received injuries and the male who was struck by the walking stick required stitches to close his wounds.
Zaricor was arrested and placed into a deputy’s patrol unit to be transported to the Union Parish Detention Center. While the deputies were securing witness testimony, the suspect heavily damaged the deputy’s patrol vehicle, which included the rear door, rear camera, and the interior headliner and multiple plastic trim pieces, totaling an estimated $6,000 in damages. Zaricor also attempted to remove his handcuffs and attempted to run away when deputies opened the door. Zaricor was booked into the UPDC on the following charges:
Aggravated Assault (4 counts)
Aggravated Second Degree Battery
Carjacking
Cruelty to the Infirmed (2 counts)
Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling
Felony Criminal Damage to Property
Attempted Simple Escape (2 counts)
Theft
Zaricor’s bond will be set in 3rd District Court later this week.
Union Parish Annual Easter Egg Hunt April 7th from 10 am till Noon
DEPUTY INJURED AFTER BEING BITTEN BY DOWNSVILLE WOMAN
On March 5, 2023, Union Parish Sheriff’s Office was summoned to a residence in Downsville to assist Pafford EMS with a possible overdose. Responding deputies arrived on scene and assisted Pafford EMS Paramedics with securing the patient and placing her into the ambulance.
Once inside the ambulance, the patient, Misty Marie Knight, age 37, of Downsville, became extremely combative, despite being secured to the stretcher. Deputies, paramedics, and at least four fire department personnel were attempting to secure the patient when she bit a UPSO deputy on the inner part of the forearm. Knight was then secured and transported to the hospital to receive further treatment for a possible overdose.
The deputy was treated at a local hospital, and it was discovered the deputy received a total of three bites, with one breaking the skin. Knight was not immediately released from the hospital, so deputies prepared a warrant for her arrest.
On 3/21/2023, Knight was arrested in Ouachita Parish and extradited back to Union Parish the following day. She was booked into the Union Parish Detention Center, charged with Battery of a Police Officer, which is a felony.
We love our Public Library!
In partnership with Latinas Unidas and Union Parish library, our bilingual Prime Time Reading program will begin this Friday with 32 families. Union Public Library will host the first of six weekly sessions and provide a free book to each of the families.
Funded by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, participating families will receive copies of books each week to begin or expand their own libraries. Through storytelling and discussions we hope to build the foundation for a lifelong love of reading and learning.
Photos from Farmerville Police Department's post
Photos from Town of Farmerville's post
Photos from Union Parish Sheriff's Office's post
Photos from Ward 5 Fire Dept.'s post
This man is a blessong to Union Parish! Hwy 2 between Farmerville and Bernice stays clean because of him! I have asked him several times to let me do a story on him, he always smiles and politely says no he doesnt clean for a spotlight! God Bless you sir!
Thank you Mr. David Hodges for helping Keep Union Beautiful EVERY day! 😁
SHERIFF’S CRIMINAL PATROL DETAIL NETS 21 ARRESTS OVER 3 DAYS
Union Parish Sheriff Dusty Gates has released the results of a recent Criminal Patrol detail spanning three days. The operation was a combined effort between the UPSO Patrol, Reserve, K-9, and Criminal Investigation Divisions. Deputies issued citations in 10 instances for 17 total traffic charges. Nine criminal summons were issued and there were twelve custodial arrests, resulting in 21 total arrests.
Arrested were the following:
Brandon Dale Thompson, 43, Monroe
Possession of Schedule I (Ma*****na)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Justin Matthew Foote, 25, Downsville
Possession of Schedule I (Ma*****na)
Billy Jack Keithley, III, 39, Downsville
Possession of Schedule II (M**h)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Christian Tyler Pinder, 23, Downsville
Possession of Schedule I (Ma*****na)
Tiyia Shantrell Stringfellow, 22, Farmerville
Failure to Appear – No Seatbelt
Togi Terrell Andrews, 45, Farmerville
Possession of Schedule II (M**h)
Possession of Schedule I (Ma*****na)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Turning Movements and Required Signals
Kelly Carlyn Simpson, 59, La Vernge, TN
Possession of Schedule II (M**h)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Tyre Walter Orr, 27, El Dorado, AR
Possession of Schedule I (Ma*****na)
Phendray Cion Jackson, 25, Bernice
Possession of Schedule I (Felony)
Flight from an Officer
Obstruction of Justice
View Outward or Inward Through Window
Larry Dewayne Reese, 64, Farmerville
Fugitive from Justice – Webster Parish (Distribution of Narcotics warrant)
Bryan Shedrick Boyette, 54, Farmerville
Possession of Schedule II (M**h)
Possession of Schedule I (Ma*****na)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Fugitive from Justice – Union County, Arkansas (Failure to Appear for Narcotics warrant)
Brittney Ledford, 32, Farmerville
Possession of Schedule II (M**h)
Possession of Schedule I (Ma*****na)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Bradley Foust, 41, Bernice
Failure to Appear – Child Support
Ma Yanett Mixteco-Vazquez, 35, Bernice
Failure to Appear – Improper Supervision of a Minor by Parent
Michael Brian Lewis, 42, Downsville
Failure to Appear – Angling without a License
Brandi Nicole Chappell, 37, Marion
Possession of Schedule II (M**h)
Possession of Firearm in Presence of CDS
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Scavenging
Rashad Santez Meeking, 40, Farmerville
Distribution of Schedule II Narcotics
Probation Violation
Jarodney Laquay Hamilton, 30, Farmerville
Possession of Schedule I (Ma*****na)
Obstructing Public Passages
Edward Tyrone Smith, 51, Farmerville
Obstructing Public Passages
Resisting an Officer
Steven Dalton Munholland, 30, West Monroe
Possession of Schedule I Narcotics
Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Institution
Darrell Marlone Fisher, Jr, 22, Hammond
Possession of Schedule I Narcotics
Introduction of Contraband into Penal Institution
Sheriff Dusty Gates advised he is proud of the deputies and the results of their hard work on this detail. UPSO will continue to proactively work to combat the ongoing drug issues in our parish. If you have any information concerning drug activity in our parish, please contact UPSO, Crime Stoppers of Union Parish, or your local law enforcement agency. Tips may also be submitted anonymously on our Mobile App.
HOUMA MAN JAILED FOR ONLINE SOLICITATION OF MINOR
A Houma man has been arrested following a complaint regarding his online interaction with a juvenile from Farmerville. In March 2023, UPSO received a complaint from the guardian of a 15-year-old female who alleged that an unknown adult male had been inappropriately interacting with their daughter via multiple social media platforms. The guardian also advised deputies that they believed the male had traveled to their residence attempting to pick up the juvenile.
An investigation was launched, and deputies identified the subject as Johnnie L. Caine, age 46, of Houma. The investigation revealed that Caine had contacted the victim numerous times on the social media applications TikTok and Snapchat, which led to inappropriate exchanges. Caine allegedly sent the juvenile videos and photographs of himself performing inappropriate acts. The investigation further revealed that the suspect had traveled to the juvenile victim’s residence, at least twice, with the intention of engaging in sexual in*******se with the juvenile.
Felony warrants were issued for Johnny Caine, and he was arrested by Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Caine will soon be extradited back to Union Parish and booked into the Union Parish Detention Center for Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile and two counts of Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor.
This investigation is ongoing, in conjunction with Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office and additional charges are expected.
UPSO is seeking the whereabouts of Brandon Rashawn Franklin, B/M, DOB: 11-30-1987. Franklin is described as 5’10” tall, and 153 lbs. He is known to frequent the Farmerville area.
Franklin has outstanding felony warrants for Failure to Appear for Aggravated Battery. He also has several misdemeanor warrants for failing to appear.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of this person, please call (318) 368-3124. You may also submit an anonymous tip on our Mobile App. Reference Case 2021F0059167
MARION MAN ARRESTED AFTER CUTTING ELDERLY WOMAN’S POWER
A Marion man has been arrested following an incident in which he is alleged to have disconnected the power from an elderly woman’s residence.
In February 2023, deputies were summoned to a home near Marion where an elderly woman stated that Jason Todd Brunson, age 40, of Marion, entered her home and began cursing and screaming. The victim offered to fix Brunson a meal if he would leave her residence. When Brunson continued causing a commotion, she told him that she would notify UPSO if he continued. At this time, the victim alleges that Brunson climbed onto her roof and continued to act in a bizarre manner. The victim told deputies a short time later Brunson climbed down from the roof and disconnected the electricity from her residence.
During the time of this incident, the elderly woman was caring for two children, who were present in the home. The victim advised deputies that she feared what Brunson may do next. Responding deputies checked the immediate area but were unable to locate Brunson. Deputies turned the electricity back on so the victim and children could have heat, as the outside temperature was near freezing.
Deputies issued warrants for Brunson’s arrest and in March 2023 he was located and captured in Union Parish. Brunson has been booked into the Union Parish Detention Center. He is charged with Criminal Mischief and Cruelty to the Infirmed.
MUDDY MAN ARRESTED FOR UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY OF RESIDENCE
On 3/10/2023, at approximately 10:30 pm, Union Parish Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a homeowner in the Farmerville area who stated there was an unknown person inside of their residence who appeared to be in a drunken stupor. UPSO deputies, who were nearby investigating a vehicle crash, quickly responded to the residence. Upon arrival, deputies located Ethan Chase Lebreton, 20, of Farmerville, standing with the homeowner on the front porch.
The homeowner informed deputies their daughter went to her bedroom to go to sleep for the night, where she discovered Lebreton lying down, allegedly having entered the residence through the bedroom window. The homeowner stated as their daughter alerted them to the intruder, Lebreton exited the residence through the same window. It was discovered that the furniture that Lebreton was lying on had been damaged as Lebreton’s clothing was extremely wet and muddy.
Further investigation revealed that Lebreton was a passenger in the vehicle crash deputies were previously investigating. Prior to deputies discovering the crash, Lebreton fled the scene on foot, towards the homeowner’s residence, which was less than a mile away. During this time, the area was experiencing heavy rainfall, which contributed to Lebreton’s soddened condition. The suspect informed deputies that he had been drinking all day and night and did not remember being inside of the residence.
Ethan Lebreton was arrested and booked into the Union Parish Detention Center. He was charged with Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling, Disturbing the Peace (Drunkenness), Simple Criminal Damage to Property, and Criminal Trespassing.
The Union Arts Council is again hosting the Annual Competitive Art Exhibition. It is scheduled for March 25. Please see sign up form below. I also have the forms at the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce. We are open Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm. I look forward to see everyone’s art pieces!
Photos from Union Parish Library's post
Photos from Peyton Mckinnie's post
Wow this is still so beautiful to see in Farmerville... great job Farmerville Garden Club ladies!
I will be cleaning Graftons Crossing in Bernice from Hwy 167 N to Pisgah Baptist Church
Where are you cleaning?
Danielle Harkins with the The Bernice Banner is tackling Hwy 167 in Bernice! Thank you Danielle!
DETENTION CENTER GUARDS BATTERED AFTER CELL PHONE FOUND
In February 2023, UPSO Criminal Investigations Division was notified by staff at the Union Parish Detention Center that a dorm check had turned violent, ultimately sending one UPDC guard to the hospital with head injuries.
Investigators learned that as a guard was making rounds inside of a dorm within the detention center, the guard observed what appeared to be a cell phone charging cable. Upon further inspection, the guard discovered a cell phone concealed within a magazine. When the guard confiscated the phone, Chad Scott, 41, an inmate at UPDC, attempted to take the phone back from the guard. The guard began to remove Scott from the dorm and Scott began aggressively resisting, striking the guard with his head. Several other jail guards rushed in, and the inmate was subdued. One guard was bleeding from the nose and had been struck in the head numerous times, requiring emergency medical aid. A second guard was injured in the incident, sustaining several scratches and a bruise to their arm.
Scott was charged with two counts of Battery of a Correctional Officer and Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Institution; both are felony charges.
Farmerville Police Department has arrested three male juveniles in connection with several vehicle thefts over the month of February 2023 within the city limits of Farmerville. Vehicles were reported stolen in separate locations on February 4, February 5, and February 16. All the vehicles have been recovered and returned to their owners.
On February 16, 2023, UPSO located one of the stolen vehicles and a vehicle pursuit ensued that resulted in a crash and several juveniles fled on foot.
On March 8, 2023, at 1402 hours, Farmerville Police Department and Union Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to numerous calls of multiple gunshots being fired in the area of Lakeview Drive and Ridgewood Drive in Farmerville. During this investigation, the three male juveniles were located and taken into custody for the prior vehicles thefts. The ages of the juveniles were 13, 14, and 15. They were each booked into Green Oaks Detention Center pending hearings.
The 13-year-old male juvenile was booked on charges of:
Theft of a motor vehicle( $5k-$25k)
Theft of a motor vehicle ($25k-$50k)
Flight from an Officer
Simple Criminal Damage to Property ($1k-$5k)
The 14-year-old male juvenile was booked on charges of:
Theft of a motor vehicle( $5k-$25k)
Theft of a motor vehicle ($25k-$50k)
Flight from an Officer
Simple Criminal Damage to Property ($1k-$5k)
The 15-year-old male juvenile was booked on charges of :
Theft of a motor vehicle( $5k-$25k)
Theft of a motor vehicle( $5k-$25k)
Theft of a motor vehicle ($25k-$50k)
Flight from an Officer
Simple Criminal Damage to Property ($1k-$5k)
Investigators also arrested Shawn M. Davis, 22, of Bernice on charges of Illegal Use of Weapons. Two handguns were located, and Davis admitted to being the one that was firing the weapon multiple times.
Farmerville Police Department would also like to express its appreciation to the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office for their quick response and assistance on this incident.
UPDATE 3/8/23: Marcus Ford was captured and arrested today in Ouachita Parish. He has since been extradited back to Union Parish where he was booked on the below listed charge. Thank you to everyone who shared our post and provided information!
UPSO is seeking the whereabouts of Marcus Jearrell Ford, W/M, DOB: 9-28-1984. Ford is described as 6’4” tall, and 270 lbs. He is known to frequent the Monroe and West Monroe areas.
Ford has an outstanding felony warrant for Cruelty to Juveniles.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of these persons, please call (318) 368-3124. You may also submit an anonymous tip on our Mobile App. Reference Case 22100135
Please join us in the effort to help a member of our community. We are raffling off a Traeger Pellet Grill to help offset medical costs incurred by the Rosson Family. The tickets will be $10 each and can be purchased at Read Lumber & Supply Co. Please help this post reach as many people as possible by liking and sharing, also make sure to follow our page for the drawing on April 14th.
UPDATE 3/8/23: Marcus Ford was captured and arrested today in Ouachita Parish. He has since been extradited back to Union Parish where he was booked on the below listed charge. Thank you to everyone who shared our post and provided information!
UPSO is seeking the whereabouts of Marcus Jearrell Ford, W/M, DOB: 9-28-1984. Ford is described as 6’4” tall, and 270 lbs. He is known to frequent the Monroe and West Monroe areas.
Ford has an outstanding felony warrant for Cruelty to Juveniles.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of these persons, please call (318) 368-3124. You may also submit an anonymous tip on our Mobile App. Reference Case 22100135
UPDATE 3/4/2023: Jeremiah Simpson was captured and arrested in Ouachita Parish. He is being held at the Ouachita Correctional Center and will be extradited back to Union Parish when he satisfies the charges there. He will then be booked on the below listed charge. Thank you to everyone who shared our post and provided information!
UPSO is seeking the whereabouts of Jeremiah Nevil Verdon Simpson, W/M, DOB: 9-26-1985. Simpson is described as 5’9” tall, and 150 lbs. He is known to frequent the Downsville and West Monroe areas.
Simpson has an outstanding felony warrant for Aggravated Burglary. He is considered armed and dangerous.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of this person, please call (318) 368-3124. Reference Case 22080058
UPSO is seeking the whereabouts of Curtis Lee Holley, W/M, DOB: 11-29-1983. Holley is described as 5’9” tall, and 140 lbs. He is known to frequent the Marion and Farmerville areas.
Holley has an outstanding felony warrant Illegal Possession of Stolen Things.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of these persons, please call (318) 368-3124. You may also submit an anonymous tip on our Mobile App. Reference Case 23020079
227 Boyett Road
Bernice, LA
71222
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International Tasting Tour
International Tasting Tour
Miss Watermelon does it again!!!!!!
Wreath ceremony for Johnny B Albritton, Vietnam Veteran
Fun at state park
