SENTENCED: John "Jay" Booker III
A former Sabine Parish educator, John “Jay” Booker III, 49, was sentenced by Judge Craig O. Marcotte of Shreveport in District Court on Tuesday, August 6, following Booker’s conviction of two counts of Attempted indecent behavior with juveniles. He was given three years in jail per count to be served concurrently. His sentence was suspended except for one year of incarceration to be followed by three years’ supervised probation. He was immediately booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center following sentencing.
Booker was convicted of both counts by a six-person jury who heard the case July 22-25.
Prior to sentencing Tuesday, several victims and their parents addressed the court. It was a very emotional time and there were many tears shed. Several who spoke blamed the school administration for not taking any action and for keeping these and similar matters concealed. Some of the parents speculated that if administrators had taken action at the time of the incidents, they might could have prevented the abuse from happening to other juveniles.
Booker taught at Many Junior High and was transferred to Sabine Program-At Risk Kids (SPARK) Alternative School after a problem arose with him at the Junior High. He was arrested by the Sabine Sheriff’s Department on Dec. 4, 2020. It was reported the two counts occurred between Aug. 1, 2019, and Aug. 31, 2020. Booker was indicted by a Sabine Grand Jury on Feb. 8, 2021.
Booker officially resigned his position as of May 31, 2021, but he remained on the School Board payroll for six months after being arrested and drew something like $17,334.55 from the School Board between the date of his arrest and his removal from their payroll.
Sabine District Attorney Don Burkett recused himself from the case because of his friendship with the Booker family, and it was referred to the State Attorney General’s office.
The matter first became public when a female juvenile student and her mother, unsolicited, reported to the Sheriff’s Department the inappropriate behavior by Booker.
Detectives then conducted an investigation and discovered the incidents occurred twice in Sept. 2019 when Booker taught and was a coach at Many Junior High. Later, a second juvenile reported a similar event to the Sheriff’s Office.
At the time, Sheriff Aaron Mitchell told Observations, “I want kids to be safe and feel safe at school. We will do everything we can to make it the safest place possible. The Sheriff’s Office is always open for any complaints or reports concerning safety at school.”
Attorneys John Russell and Erica McLellan represented the Attorney General’s Office at the trial. It was reported that four or five juveniles testified, including the two victims.
Reports coming to Observations say the two attorneys from the state hammered the matter being covered up by the School Board administration. Among those testifying were Supt. Shane Wright, teacher Sonya DuBose and then-Junior High Principal Madeline Owens.
It has been rumored for years that the school administration attempted to cover up this and similar situations over the years concerning the Booker family.
Judge Marcotte heard the case because Judge Verity Gentry at one time represented Booker, and it would have been a conflict for her to hear it. The judge said he spent a lot of time on the case because he wanted to make the right decision.
Last week Booker signed the necessary documents with the Sheriff’s Office to be registered as a sex offender as is required by law.
The Stranger Who Called Himself God, a new book by Yours Truly, is now available.
Left, Attorney Hodge O’Neal during the time he practiced law in Many from 1970-74. Right, Hodge O'Neal today. He and wife Letty now live in Monroe.
I am happy to report I have a new book out, The Stranger Who Called Himself God. The work is based on a Sabine Parish court case from June 1896 when a stranger came to Many claiming he was God.
We first learned about this unusual case when Attorney Hodge O’Neal came to the Sabine Index office in March 1972, where I was Editor/Publisher at the time. He told about an interesting court document he had found while searching records in the Sabine Parish Clerk of Court’s office. We agreed it was very fascinating and used it on the front page of the Index. Hodge was living in Many, where he practiced law from 1970-74 with the late John P. Godfrey. Today, he is retired and lives with his wife, Letty, in Monroe.
In December 1993, former Many Mayor Virginia Godfrey wrote her take on the stranger coming to town. Some parts of the book are built on the thoughts she initially shared in the piece she wrote about the unusual event. Later, Dr. Harold Lewing and Luther Sandel both wrote articles about the historic court case. There was always a lot of interest in the matter.
In the early 2000s, I had Sweet Dreams Publishing Co. and with the assistance of Pat Martinez, we wrote our take on the stranger coming to town. The book went to bed and napped for about 25 years. I did not wake it up again until recently.
In a nutshell, the story is about 30 days in June 1896 when a stranger walked into Many and claimed he was God. He helped folks. He preached. He practiced good. He was arrested and brought to court, and the judge ruled him to be insane. The sheriff was ordered to take the stranger to the East Louisiana Hospital for the Insane in Jackson. According to hospital records, he never made it there. This true novel tells it like it might have been.
In her review, Kelly Hagy, a Paducah, KY journalist and author wrote: “Gentry has woven not one, but two real life stories into a delightful narrative that is both thought provoking and entertaining. I especially appreciate the additions of the actual historical documents after the story’s conclusion. Not only was it a great reimagining of the stranger, but he placed New Testament stories perfectly into a Southern scenario. The ending shocked me a little until I remembered Judas’s ultimate ending, and then I got it.”
Another review said, “Gentry’s work explores themes of faith and hypocrisy as well the complex, yet simple uncertainties God’s potential presence stirs among a community simply doing their best to survive a terrible drought.”
On Monday, Aug. 12, at 7:30 a.m., Hodge and I will be on Tedd Dumas’ very popular “Open Line” radio program to discuss the book. Folks living outside the area can listen by visiting bdcradio.com and selecting the “Listen Live” option for KWLA or at Live stream by All Talk, All Day on KWLA (securenetsystems.net)
Books may be purchased at my office in the radio station building at 605 San Antonio Ave. in Many. They may also be ordered by sending payment for $20, which includes shipping, to Robert Gentry, 290 Miller St., Many, LA 71449.
In addition, copies are available on amazon.com via this link: https://a.co/d/769RW7T
Shown with me celebrating the new book's release are, from left, my wife, Laurie, who assisted however needed, our longtime friend Sean Johnson, who illustrated the book, my granddaughter, Alyssa Collins, of Tega Cay, SC, who proofread and helped get it over the finish line, and last, but not least, our recent Observations intern Lauren Ray from Northwestern State University, who also proofread and offered suggestions.
Assisting with getting the book ready to publish was my wife, Laurie, my granddaughter, Alyssa Collins, and Lauren Ray, who recently worked for Observations as a Northwestern intern this summer. The multi-talented Sean Johnson of Many was the illustrator.
Brandon M. Conn, age 41, white male of Lockhart, SC, was arrested after a lengthy, high-speed pursuit into and across Sabine Parish involving at least three law enforcement agencies, including the Many Police Dept. and Sabine Sheriff’s Office.
The incident began when a Robeline officer stopped the vehicle for speeding. Conn fled the scene, and the Robeline officer initiated a pursuit.
As the vehicle approached Many, a Many Police officer attempted to stop the vehicle with a spike strip, but as he was doing so, the speeding driver aimed his vehicle toward the officer, forcing the officer to pull back. The speed strip caught only one tire of the vehicle at that time.
A high-speed chase then continued down San Antonio Ave. through the intersection of San Antonio and Hwy. 171 Bypass. After initially turning left onto the bypass, the driver then turned right into the Walgreens parking lot, drove through the lot and got back on Hwy. 6 headed west.
Traveling onward, he continued to drive at high rates of speed, between 70 and 102 mph. The driver, at one point, rammed a police vehicle, forcing it off the road.
The speeding vehicle was spiked again near Negreet Rd. by the Sabine Sheriff's Dept. and Deputy Craig Vahn was finally able to get the vehicle stopped by employing a tactical maneuver near Toledo Town.
A felony arrest was made after the vehicle was stopped. Conn was charged with Illegal possession of stolen things [the South Carolina automobile], Failure to stop, Driving left of center, two counts of Assault on a police officer by a motor vehicle and Resisting arrest. Other charges may be pending.
Assisting at the scene were Sabine Sheriff Deputies Kohl McGee, David Self and Dustin Johnson.
(Special thanks to Many Police Chief Cheryl Wooley and Sabine Chief Deputy Brad Walker for the information above.)
ARRESTED: Kimberly Diane McCullough Skinner
On Friday, Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announced the Aug. 1 arrest of Kimberly Diane McCullough Skinner, age 35 of Many, for incidents resulting from alleged road rage.
Around 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, Vernon Parish authorities received a report of road rage in the Hornbeck area involving a white Jeep SUV traveling toward Sabine Parish. It was reported the driver of the white Jeep had pointed a firearm at another motorist.
Sheriff’s Deputies discovered the vehicle traveling north on Hwy. 191 and attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Shadows Rd.
The driver of the vehicle stopped on Shadows Rd., then sped away. Deputies deployed spike strips, which caused the SUV to stop again on Shadows Rd. near Hwy. 191.
The driver, Kimberly Skinner, was taken into custody without incident and a loaded .22 caliber pistol was located inside her vehicle as well as suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl, and a glass smoking device.
Skinner was arrested and booked into the Sabine Parish Women’s Jail for Possession of Schedule II (Meth), Possession of Schedule II (Fentanyl), Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of a firearm in presence of CDS, and Aggravated flight from an officer.
As of press deadline, no bond had been set.
Skinner also faces felony charges in Vernon Parish for the initial road rage incident near Hornbeck.
(Special thanks to Det. D. W. Seegers for the above report.)
The Sabine Parish School District last week announced parish students' LEAP test scores. There were two “maintenance of growth” performances in English Language Arts and Math, one “slight decline” in proficiency in Science, and one “decline” in proficiency in U.S. History.
“The scores reflect steady academic achievement and demonstrate growth across multiple subject areas,” the School Board’s announcement stated. “Our results are a testament to the dedication, hard work and commitment of Sabine educators, staff and students, and we are proud of how they reflect a continuous goal of improvement. Additionally, our students' achievements are a direct result of the collaborative partnerships with parents/guardians, families and local communities.”
Highlights from the 2024 LEAP test scores follow:
- English Language Arts (3rd-12th Grades): Students showcased maintenance of growth by demonstrating consistent knowledge in core literacy skills.
- Mathematics (3rd-12th Grades): Students showcased maintenance of growth by highlighting enhanced problem-solving abilities and mathematical understanding.
- Science (3rd-12th Grades): Students experienced a slight decline in science proficiency.
- Social Studies: Grades 3rd-8th Social Studies and Civics were not reported this year as they were part of a field test and, thus, not included in the proficiency data, while U.S. History saw a decline in proficiency.
The chart above, supplied by the Sabine Parish School Board, shows growth of proficiencies in different subjects by grades 3rd-8th.
The announcement noted that, overall, the School Board was pleased with the academic performance of district students and educators but that summer schedules had been filled with professional development for central office personnel, school-level administrators and teachers.
Today is National Purple Heart Day, which is celebrated annually on Aug. 7 to honor the nearly two million servicemen and women for their sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The Purple Heart, originally referred to as the Badge of Military Merit, is the military’s oldest medal created by Gen. George Washington in 1782.
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announces the felony narcotic and firearm arrests for the month of July 2024 as follows:
Rejada Recheal Garrett, age 35, of Many
Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Ecstasy),
Possession of schedule I (Marijuana), and
Tail lamps required.
Her bond was set at $5,000, and she bonded.
Terry Lynn Sepulvado Jr., age 30, of Zwolle
Possession of schedule II (Meth),
Possession of drug paraphernalia,
Driver must be licensed, and
Improper display of license plate,
Warrants for:
Three counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth),
Conspiracy to distribute schedule II (Meth),
Two counts of Indecent behavior with juvenile, and
Two counts of Computer-aided solicitation of minor.
His total bonds were set at $74,000, and he remains in jail.
Deunka Deshay Lynch, age 35, of Zwolle
Warrant for distribution of schedule II (Meth).
Her bond was set at $7,500, and she bonded.
Brooke Miriah Myers, age 31, of Florien
Possession of schedule III (Suboxone).
Her bond was set at $5,000, and she remains in jail.
Mark Dwayne Heflin, age 56, of Zwolle
Warrant for conspiracy to possess schedule II (Meth).
His bond was set at $3,500, and he bonded.
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Napier, age 26, of Zwolle
Warrants for:
Two counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth), and
Conspiracy to distribute schedule II (Meth).
Her total bonds were set at $30,000, and she bonded.
James Dean Remedies Jr., age 37, of Zwolle
Possession of schedule II (Meth), and
Possession of drug paraphernalia.
His bond was set at $8,000, and he remains in jail.
Stephanie D. Alvey, age 52, of Zwolle
Warrant for five counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth).
Her bond was set at $50,000, and she bonded.
Dekota Alcario Ebarb, age 29, of Noble
Possession of schedule II (Meth),
Possession of drug paraphernalia, and
No license plate.
His bond was set at $5,000, and he bonded.
Coddie Dewayne Richardson, age 42, of Hornbeck
Possession of schedule II (Meth),
Possession of drug paraphernalia,
Possession of firearm in presence of CDS,
Possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies,
No rearview mirror, and
No trailer license plate.
His bond was set at $50,000, and he bonded.
Gala Allen Juda, age 47, of Many
Warrants for:
Conspiracy to possess schedule II (Meth),
Failure to appear for court for possession of schedule II, and
Failure to appear for court for possession of drug paraphernalia and expired license plate.
As of press deadline, no bond had been set.
John Jeffery Linger II, age 28, of Many
Possession of schedule II (Cocaine),
Expired vehicle registration,
Illegal window tint, and
Damaged windshield.
(Thank you to Det. D. W. Seegers for the above report.)
SENTENCED: Rodney Lane Waller
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announced recently that Rodney Lane Waller, age 45 of Many, was sentenced on July 30 for distribution of methamphetamine in United States District Court, Western District of Louisiana in Shreveport. Waller received twelve years, seven months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
According to information presented in federal court, the charges and arrest came when the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) Agents were investigating methamphetamine trafficking activities in the parish.
During their investigation on September 1, 2021, Waller met with a confidential informant in the Sabine Parish area and sold methamphetamine to that person. The methamphetamine was in Waller's possession before the sale was made. The methamphetamine sold by Waller was found to be 77.2% pure, with a pure substance weight of 4.6 grams. Throughout the course of the investigation, law enforcement agents discovered that Waller sold or possessed with intent to sell 55.7 grams of methamphetamine.
Waller was charged in an indictment with Distribution of methamphetamine, and he pleaded guilty to one count on December 13, 2023.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William C. Gaskins.
(Special thanks to Det. D. W. Seegers for the information above.)
Sabine Parish Sheriff Detectives are requesting the public's help to learn information in reference to stolen copper phone wire.
Several hundred feet of AT&T copper wire was cut and removed from utility poles on Hwy. 191 just south of Zwolle.
Detectives believe the theft occurred the weekend of July 19-21 and one night during the week of July 22. The wire and damaged poles are valued at $12,000-$15,000.
Anyone who may have any information is asked to please contact Detective Cutrer, Sabine Criminal Investigations Division, at (318) 590-9475, or to submit a tip through the free Sabine Parish Sheriff App.
Sales tax collections in Sabine Parish were down again in July compared to the same month last year, according to a report issued by Wanda Rivers, Sales/Use Tax Administrator. Collections in 2023 were $3,055,226.65 compared to $2,538,894.92 this year, resulting in a drop of $516,331.72.
Organ Donor Registration Now Available with Hunting, Fishing Licenses
As part of ACT 348 recently signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) now allows resident license holders to become organ donors and display their status on their hunting and fishing licenses.
“The honorable act of organ donation offers hope in the face of tragedy, and we will gladly do what we can to be a part of the recruitment efforts in Louisiana,” said LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan.
"There is a critical need for organ, tissue, and eye donation in the state. Our partnership with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries increases access to our donor registry and offers residents the opportunity to sign up to help save lives," said Brett Gordon, President and CEO of Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA).
Louisiana license holders can log into the LDWF license portal and follow instructions to become a donor. When renewing a license or buying a license for the first time, purchasers will be able to become donors. Louisiana lifetime license holders may also log into their LDWF account to become a donor. Once they order a duplicate lifetime license card, the mailed card will indicate their donation status.
To purchase or update an LDWF license, go to https://louisianaoutdoors.com/.
(Special thanks to Trey Iles with the LDWF for the above report.)
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