Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office investigators recently made five arrests related to criminal activity in Washington Parish. A sixth person is being sought.

Ben’s Ford School had a recent burglary in which a shed was broken into and copper wire stolen. The initial lead in the case came from a wallet that was found on school grounds by a Ben’s Ford custodian. The wallet contained identification for Jacob Branch, 21, a resident of Long Miley Road in Bogalusa, who was employed as a correctional officer at Rayburn Correctional Institute. The investigation concluded with the arrests of Branch and Ethan Dixon, 19, a resident of Mt. Pleasant Road in Bogalusa, for simple burglary. Both admitted to committing the burglary and selling the stolen copper wire as scrap metal. The two men were placed in the Washington Parish Jail and later released on bond.

Another investigation involved a complaint in which a victim answered a Facebook post from someone selling a shed. The victim met the seller at a Piggott’s Crossing location and agreed to purchase the shed, only to learn later that the shed actually belonged to someone else. The investigation led to the arrest of Brandon Michael Carroll, 23, a resident of Avenue G in Bogalusa, for attempted felony theft. Carroll was placed in the Washington Parish Jail with bond set at $5,000.

Sabrina Truitt, 25, of Angie and known fugitive, was observed by investigators while they were working on an unrelated investigation. Truitt was arrested and placed in the Washington Parish Jail on a felony charge of failure to appear. She is being held with no bond.

Jelissa Nicole Reese, 23, a resident of Long Avenue in Bogalusa, surrendered to the Sheriff’s Office after investigators went to her house to arrest her, but she was not at home. Reese is being held in the Washington Parish Jail on charges of felony accessory after the fact and contempt of court. Her bond is set at $50,100.

Investigators are searching for Byran Sharp and are asking for the public’s assistance in locating him. Sharp is wanted for six counts of forgery and has recently been seen loitering around the Superior Avenue area of Bogalusa. He is also wanted on an attachment for contempt of court. Sharp is identified as a white male, 43 years old, and is currently featured on the Most Wanted section of the Sheriff’s Office website, www.wpso.la.gov. If you know where Sharp can be located, call investigators at 985-661-2024.

“Law-abiding citizens shouldn’t have to put up with criminals trying to steal from them,” Sheriff Randy Seal said. “One would think the criminals would catch on that we will eventually find and arrest them. Apparently, they haven’t figured that out. Our investigators work hard to solve all burglaries and other crimes against our citizens. By the way, thanks, Mr. Branch, for being so thoughtful to leave your wallet and identification at the scene of your crime. That was a big help.”

Any Washington Parish citizens who have knowledge about criminal activity in the parish are asked to call investigators at 985-661-2024. Callers may remain anonymous.