Deputies, DEA combine for 2 drug arrests

Published 4:31 pm Monday, October 9, 2017

The Washington Parish Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration recently combined their resources to make additional drug arrests in Bogalusa, according to Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Haley said that on Thursday, officers from both agencies served search warrants at a residence on North Roosevelt Street and a barbershop on Austin Street.

Michael Miller

Michael Miller, 30, a resident of North Roosevelt Street, was arrested at his residence and charged with four counts of heroin distribution, two counts of cocaine distribution, possession of marijuana and convicted felon in possession of a firearm, Haley said. He remains in the Washington Parish Jail with a $750,000 bond.

Seized at Miller’s residence was $3,096 cash, one vehicle, two semi-automatic pistols and various illegal drugs.

This is Miller’s fourth stay in the Washington Parish Jail, Haley said. His first arrest in May of 2007 was for possession of stolen property, possession of marijuana and resisting an officer. He spent three days in jail before posting a $12,750 bond for his release.

Miller’s second arrest was in February of 2009 when he spent another three days in jail for failure to appear, no seat belt, no driver’s license and resisting an officer. He posted a $10,850 bond and was released.

On Aug. 28, 2011, Miller was arrested for a third time and sent to jail where he remained until Oct. 10, 2011, before being released on a $150,100 bond. He was charged with attempted second degree murder, illegal discharge of a weapon, aggravated criminal damage to property, convicted felon in possession of a firearm and no seat belt.

Also arrested Thursday was La’Damion Keys, 23, a resident of Union Avenue.

La’Damion Keys

Keys was arrested at the barber shop and jailed for two counts of possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drugs, possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs, possession with intent to distribute Schedule III drugs and obstruction of justice. Keys was released Friday, after posting a $100,000 bond.

Keys had a previous arrest in October of 2016 for simple burglary and burglary of an inhabited dwelling. He stayed in jail for almost one month before being released on a $7,500 bond, Haley said.

“It defies logic, why these drug dealers continue to ply their illegal trade knowing we are on their trail and will eventually arrest them and put them in jail,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “It seems to boil down to a combination of a criminal mindset and seemingly easy money. The only thing that combination will provide them is a stay in our jail and a longer stay in a state prison once they are convicted.

“It is difficult for honest, hard-working, tax-paying citizens to wrap their minds around such devious thinking, but it seems to be normal for those who place no value in honesty, integrity and hard work.”