Sex offender sought in rape
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
A known sex offender could be on
the run after he allegedly raped a woman.
Dennis Tyrone Knowles, 29, of
Homer, is wanted by Homer Police for aggravated rape, second degree kidnapping,
operating a vehicle under suspension and reckless operation of a vehicle. Bonds
total $126,000 on these charges when he’s apprehended.
According to Captain Donald
Malray, on the evening of Sunday, July 28, Homer Police received a call in
reference to an assault on a black female in the Dutchtown Road area of Homer.
Officer Frank Evans responded to the call, taking initial statements.
The victim was transported to
Homer Memorial Hospital for treatment of lacerations to her hands and knees and
abrasions to different parts of her body.
Malray said she refused to submit to a rape kit.
“We really tried to get her to
(submit) to a rape kit,” Malray said, “but we don’t have to have one to
prosecute him.”
While at the hospital, Claiborne
Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Donna Smith interviewed the victim and subsequently
assisted in the investigation into the incident.
The investigation shows, Malray
said, the victim was walking by Ebenezer Baptist Church when Knowles allegedly
offered her a ride home. Instead of taking her home, he bypassed her residence
and took her to a secluded area, where he reportedly raped and sodomized her
several times.
Malray said she was able to
escape after they crashed into a tree. She escaped the vehicle and ran to
another residence in the 3200 block of Dutchtown Road. Police say Knowles was
last seen in that area.
The following day, police
obtained a warrant for his arrest on the above charges and entered his name
into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Knowles is a registered sex
offender and has previously served time for a rape incident. He is considered a
Tier 3 offender, which means he must report to law enforcement every quarter --
about every three months.
At present, he is current with
his registration requirements, according to an official from the Claiborne
Parish Sheriff’s Office.
“We’ve not seen him,” said Homer
Police Chief Russell Mills. “We’ve made contact with his family and he has
talked to the sheriff’s office sex offender coordinator and said he would turn
himself in. At this time, he is considered a fugitive from justice.”
If anyone has any information on
Knowles’ whereabouts, please contact the Homer Police Department at
318-927-4000 or the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation
Division at 318-927-9800, or the sheriff’s office at 318-927-2011.
Elderly woman airlifted following morning crash
The Guardian-Journal photo/Michelle Bates
During the early morning hours of Thursday, August 1, a
woman was airlifted by Pafford Air One to Louisiana State University Health
Sciences Center with moderate to severe injuries. According to Louisiana State
Troopers at the scene, Mary Howard, of Homer, was traveling southbound on U.S.
79 when she exited the roadway to the right about 300 feet into a ravine under
a bridge. The vehicle stopped just feet from a creek running under the bridge.
Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s deputies were also at the scene, directing traffic.
As of press time, no other information was available.
La 519 to close Monday
Motorists are
advised that beginning at 7 a.m., Monday, August 12, La. 519 in Bienville
Parish will be closed to thru-traffic. This closure is associated with pavement
patching and cross drain pipe replacement. This work is anticipated to last
approximately three days. Please detour to La. 798-2 to La. 9 to La. 518. DOTD
appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution and be
on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.
Police hire met with applause
Council finally approves new police hire
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
After months of a standoff
between Homer Police Chief Russell Mills and Police Hiring Committee Chairman
Linda Mozeke, the Homer Police Department now has a part-time officer.
Terry Yetman was approved for
hire at Mill’s recommendation to help alleviate some of the massive overtime
his officers have been racking up over a long period of time. He was approved
three to one, with Carlette Sanford, District 4, making the motion and Don
McCalman, District 3, seconding the motion. The lone vote opposing was Linda
Mozeke, District 1. Patricia Jenkins, District 5, was absent due to a death in
her family.
Yetman’s approval for hire was met with applause from
several in attendance.
Yetman introduced himself to the
council and talked about his qualifications as a police officer, saying his
last place of employment was with a police department in Arkansas. He is
POST-certified, and has garnered certification in many other areas of law
enforcement including with the breathalyzer, sobriety field testing and others.
“I’ve been a police officer for
about 10 years,” Yetman said. “I started my career in Haughton and stayed there
for about six years, went to the Desoto (Parish) Sheriff’s Office and also to
Arkansas, so I’m also certified in Arkansas.”
He’s also certified SWAT and
several other areas including narcotics, interrogation classes as well as
others.
Also on the agenda was
discussion of the police hiring committee; however, it was tabled again because
Jenkins was not present.
Homer Mayor Alecia Smith said
because each council member is on the committee or has a representative on the
committee, she felt all five council members needed to be in attendance to
discuss the issue.
It was tabled in the July
meeting because Mozeke was not present. It will go on the September agenda.
In other news, the agenda was
amended at the beginning of the meeting to include the adoption of a resolution
in support of Homer Memorial Hospital to send to Rep. Patrick Jefferson,
District 11, and Sen. Mike Walsworth, District 33, for Capital Outlay Priority
2 funding for the purchase of a bone density machine, a digital mammography
machine and upgrades and expansion of parking at the hospital. It is the hope
of the hospital board that these funding needs will go before the State Bond
Commission in October.
That resolution was approved
unanimously.
Also added to the agenda was to
meet in executive session to discuss a “personnel matter.” However, Chief Mills
made it known -- exercising his right as a police officer -- that if they were
going to discuss something involving questions of him, he exercised his right
to deny executive session. The council voted to add executive session to
discuss a personnel matter on the agenda.
Even though they met in
executive session, it didn’t take long before the meeting was opened back up to
the public because of the nature of the discussion. While it was never said who
was going to be discussed, several police officers were in attendance,
including Mills, Captain Donald Malray, Sgt. Van McDaniel and Officer Scott
Glenn.
Mills felt the issue had to do with one of his officers
and the council cannot discuss a police officer without that particular
officer’s presence or 24-hour notification. Even then, the officer has the
right to deny discussion in executive session.
Mills said they wanted to discuss the recent suspension
of Glenn.
During public comments, Homer
resident Ronnie Anderson spoke, questioning the town’s decision to keep its
current town attorney, Marcus Patillo. In recent months, outside counsel has
been sought to help Mr. Patillo in several cases, including the suits against
the town by Chief Mills as well as lawsuits against the police department.
According to Anderson, the town has spent thousands of dollars on additional
counsel to help the town attorney fight these suits.
“In light of the facts that’s
happened this year, I think the right thing to do to save the taxpayer money is
to get another town attorney,” Anderson said. “Mr. Patillo has cost the town,
the citizens of Homer, (money) because he failed to file a simple legal brief
(in a timely manner).”
The legal brief he refers to is
paperwork requested by the federal judge in the Bender lawsuit, which was not
filed in a timely manner.
Anderson went on to say he felt
Mr. Patillo was incompetent in that additional counsel has been hired because
he “couldn’t stand in a court room and say ‘No comment.’”
“Mr. Patillo is incompetent
because he’s cost the town over $100,000 because he hasn’t done his job,”
Anderson said. “This is insane. He’s cost the town money because he’s not doing
his job.”
In the mayor’s report, Smith
shared some good news in that a representative from the Coordinating and
Development Corporation visited City Hall last week to see if they had any
space available to set up computers that will allow the public access to
another tool to procure employment. Nada Percibal came to City Hall, and
beginning Tuesday, August 13, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., those computers will be
available. This will be every Tuesday, Smith said.
Also, the new water tank at
Mayfield Park has been installed and the Mayfield well is still under
construction. Homer has four wells, and the other three are still up and
running, she said.
The council also approved the
contract for Mr. Menefee for another year to handle the airport.
The next meeting of the Homer
Town Council will be at 6 p.m. Monday, September 2, inside Homer City Hall. For
more information, or for questions, please call their office at 318-927-3555.
Nude swimmer caught by Homer Police
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer teen who went swimming
after hours found he was not quite the superhero when he was arrested for
resisting an officer by flight on foot rather than by air.
Carlvontonio Willis, 17, of
Homer, was arrested Monday, July 29, and charged with criminal trespass, with
bond set at $500, resisting an officer by flight, with bond set at $500, and
resisting an officer by giving false information, with bond set at $500.
According to reports, Officer
Ray Yetman was patrolling the area of Mayfield Park around 11 p.m., when he
observed a nude male who appeared to be wet outside the swimming pool. Reports
indicate the suspect, later identified as Willis, quickly pulled on a pair of
pants that appeared to be sleeping pants or sweat pants with Superman on them.
He took off toward the wooded area when he saw the patrol unit, and Yetman gave
chase identifying himself as a police officer.
When Willis could not get out of
the wooded area, Yetman placed him under arrest; however, police say, Willis
reportedly resisted by refusing to give the officer his name or follow verbal
commands given by Yetman.
He was booked at the Homer
Police Department to complete paperwork before being transported to the Claiborne
Parish Detention Center for booking.
Wanted man arrested for theft
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer man with a lengthy
criminal history was arrested on warrants for theft and resisting an officer
last week.
Tracy T. Crawford, 43, of Homer,
was arrested on warrants for theft of goods, with bond set at $5,000 and
resisting an officer with force, with bond set at $5,000.
According to police, Crawford
was wanted for stealing merchandise from Piggly Wiggly in April. Sgt. Van
McDaniel went to the grocery store where he was able to view video of the
suspect, identified at that time as Crawford, putting store merchandise into
his clothes.
According to the warrant,
Crawford has two prior convictions of theft.
Another warrant was issued for
his arrest in May after Officer Frank Evans observed Crawford talking to other
people while patrolling in the area of West Fourth and South Fourth Streets.
Reports indicate Evans exited his vehicle and spoke with Crawford, saying he
had a warrant for his arrest. According to reports, Crawford allegedly pushed
Evans away from him. The two struggled, but Crawford ran.
Evans then called Officer Scott
Glenn for back up, telling him which direction Crawford ran, but the suspect
was not found at that time.
The warrant for his arrest was
then issued.
Mark Your Calendar!
Back to School Bash August 19-20
A Back to School Bash will be at Homer City Hall on
Monday, August 19 and Tuesday, August 20 to help students prepare for the
beginning of the new school year. On Monday, students may come to Homer City
Hall from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. to get their hair cut. The bash will be on
Tuesday, from 5 until 7 p.m., where students can enjoy face painting and attend
the supply giveaway. Students must be present! Guest speakers will include
Homer Mayor Alecia Smith, State Rep. Patrick Jefferson and others. The bash is
brought to you by Rep. Jefferson, Mayor Smith, Homer High School’s Future
Business Leaders of America, Curry’s Cuts, Monroe’s Barber and Beauty and
Smitty’s Barber Shop. For more information, please call Homer City Hall at
318-927-3555.
Project Stuff the Bus ‘13
The Community Improvement Organization Inc., is
sponsoring a school supply drive through Wednesday, August 7. All school
supplies can be delivered to the Haynesville Housing Authority. Items requested
include pens, pencil boxes, glue, binders, two-pocket folders, crayons, colored
pencils, markers, scissors, rulers, erasers, notebook paper, subject notebooks,
composition books, backpacks and more. All supplies will be given out at the
annual Back To School Block Party on August 10. For more information, please
contact Yolanda Coleman at 318-624-1272 or Roderick Hampton at 318-927-2519.
Benefit for Homer toddler this Saturday
The Guardian-Journal
A “Ride for Life” benefit motorcycle
rally is this Saturday, August 10, beginning at 10 a.m. to help a little Homer
toddler diagnosed with cancer.
A’shai Sulay Casey, 1, was
diagnosed with a Sacrococcygeal Germ Cell tumor on March 7. She is the daughter
of Deborah Casey and Quinshaun Adams, both of Homer. Casey and her mother
travel to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., for
chemotherapy treatments.
Little Sulay loves to play with
kids and smile. Her vibrant personality brightens up the room, and her zest for
life is infectious.
Devitar Entertainment is
sponsoring the fundraiser.
The “Ride for Life” is a
motorcycle rally where bikers will show their love and support for this little
angel. Bikers will line up at the Courthouse on the Square in Homer at 10 a.m.
They will ride out to Lake Claiborne where they will interact with other
supporters enjoying food, games, tournaments and music.
Admission to the park is $8.
Clubs attending the ride
include: Trendsettaz, MoneyTalk Car Club, Riders Inc., Street Respect (Benton
Chapter) and Street Respect (Magnolia and Eldorado chapters). All solo riders
are welcome to be a part of this ride as well.
For more information, please
call 318-927-1330.
Two Claiborne men busted in Webster on drug charges
A seat belt violation has led
two Claiborne Parish men to take up residency in a Webster Parish jail.
Andrea D. Brooks, 33, of
Haynesville and Wallace J. McDaniel of Homer, are charged with possession of
CDS Sch. I Marijuana. Brooks was also cited for no safety belt.
According to reports, Webster
Parish Sheriff's Community Action Directed agents Dep. Bobby Igo, III, Wade
Wells and Capt. Robert Hayden stopped Brooks' vehicle on Yellow Pine Road, when
Hayden noticed Brooks was not wearing a seat belt.
Deputies noticed during the stop
that Brooks appeared to be nervous and McDaniel was "moving around inside
the vehicle."
Brooks gave consent to search
the vehicle and McDaniel was asked to exit.
While searching, a small plastic
wrapper containing a green, leafy vegetation, suspected to be Marijuana was
reportedly located.
Both subjects denied ownership
of the drugs, so they were advised of their Miranda Rights, arrested and
transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.
This story was
reprinted with permission from the Minden Press-Herald.
Teen arrested for stealing debit card
The Guardian-Journal
A Homer teen was arrested after
she allegedly took a debit card that did not belong to her.
Abigail L. Key, 18, of Homer,
was arrested Sunday, August 4, and charged with theft, with bond set at $500.
According to reports, the
cardholder contacted the Homer Police Department and spoke with Lt. Roger Smith
regarding the missing card. Reports indicate the victim reported her debit card
stolen and that it was used at a local business in Homer.
After taking a statement from
the cardholder, a store employee confirmed that it was Key who used the card.
Lt. Smith then went to Key’s home and placed her under arrest on the above
charge.
In another case, Marquis
Daniels, 21, of Homer, was arrested on a bench warrant for failure to appear in
district court.
According to reports, Daniels
was seen at a local convenience store pumping gas into a vehicle whiles
Officers Frank Evans and Scott Glenn were on patrol. The officers stopped,
verified that it was Daniels at the convenience store, and placed him under
arrest on the outstanding warrant.
He was transported to the
Claiborne Parish Detention Center for booking. His bond was set at $500.
Community meeting set for August 17
The public is invited to attend
a community meeting sponsored by the education committee of the Claiborne
Parish Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People (NAACP).
The meeting will be at 5 p.m.,
Saturday, August 17 in the sanctuary of Lane Chapel CME Church, located at 290
Washington Street in Homer.
The meeting is not designed to
be a town hall meeting, but rather an informational meeting with a short
question and answer period at the end. The theme is “Claiborne Parish Public
Education: Where we are now, Where we are headed and How do we get there from
here.”
Invitations have been extended
to the school superintendent, parish principals and the coordinator of the
alternative program.
Members of the education
committee include: Retha Curry, Sadie Flucas and the Rev. Cleon Warren.
Terry Willis serves as branch
president.
Homer Elementary registration August 7-8
Meet, greet set for August 20
Registration for all Homer
Elementary students will be held on Wednesday, August 7, from 2 until 7 p.m.,
and Thursday, August 8, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
If registering new students,
please bring the following: birth certificates, shot records, social security
card and proof of residence. If the child’s residence has changed, proof of
address will be needed. Proof of residence will be verified by using two
documents supplied by the parents, such as a driver’s license, voter’s
registration card and/or utility bill. A notary will be available.
Also, parents need to make plans
to attend the Back to School Teacher and Parent Meet and Greet on Tuesday,
August 20, at 6 p.m. in the multi-purpose building. Parents will get a chance
to meet the new principals and meet the teachers. Refreshments will be served.
Names will also be drawn for door prizes.
