According to the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies developed intelligence identifying six people and multiple locations tied to a drug distribution network operating in and around Bogalusa.
The investigation began with three overdose deaths in Washington Parish.
Two of the suspects arrested were charged with second-degree murder.
Six suspects were arrested in connection to the investigation:
- Savannah Stephens — second-degree murder, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, conspiracy
- John Stewart — second-degree murder (as a principal), distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, conspiracy
- Whitney Sykes — distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, conspiracy, money laundering
- Randy King Jr., also known as “Weezy” — distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, conspiracy, money laundering
- Joshua King, also known as “MoneyMakinJosh” — distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, conspiracy, money laundering
- Brandon Lotts — conspiracy to distribute Schedule I, II, and IV controlled dangerous substances, conspiracy, and transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses
An additional four suspects were arrested for various violations unrelated to the investigation.
During the arrests at multiple locations in Bogalusa, dozens of electronic devices, firearms, and records were seized and are being examined.
More than one kilogram of suspected fentanyl was also seized.
The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office partnered with multiple agencies over the course of this investigation, including the Fentanyl Overdose Response Team of the DEA’s New Orleans Division; District Attorney Collin Sims of the 22nd Judicial District; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Slidell Police Department; the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; the Bogalusa Police Department; Customs and Border Patrol, New Orleans Air and Marine Branch; the Division of Probation and Parole under the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections; the Louisiana Army Reserve and National Guard; the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office; Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office; U.S. Secret Service; and the Louisiana State Police.
READ MORE:Deadly drug network investigation leads to 10 arrested in Bogalusa
