Sheriff: Wanted Bogalusa man arrested

Published 10:25 am Monday, October 5, 2020

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On Friday, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Mitchell NeSmith was dispatched to the Bogalusa Police Department to pick up an inmate being held in the Bogalusa City Jail. The inmate, Keith Jeffrey Gerald, 34, of Avenue H in Bogalusa, was wanted on two outstanding warrants.

One warrant, issued by the Louisiana Attorney General’s office, charges Gerald with pornography involving juveniles under the age of thirteen. The other warrant, from the WPSO, charges Gerald with telephone harassment, a charge dating to May 24. Gerald was transported to the Washington Parish Jail and booked on the two charges. His bond was set at $200,000.

WPSO Chief Deputy Mike Haley said that the telephone harassment charge resulted from a complaint investigated by WPSO Deputy James Gregorio.

“Two parish citizens had received texts from Gerald in which he threatened to harm them,” Haley said. “Additionally, one of the victims reported that she had also received a threatening telephone call from Gerald. Based on evidence, Deputy Gregorio secured a warrant for Gerald’s arrest from a 22nd Judicial District Judge.”

Haley said that Gerald’s record indicates one previous stay in the Washington Parish Jail. In February of 2012, he was arrested in Angie by then WPSO Sgt. Roy Lee and booked on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

“I’m not certain what motivated Gerald to threaten other persons,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “Obviously, though, he has some unresolved issues, as indicated by the warrant from the Attorney General as well as his actions in May. We are always pleased to assist the Attorney General’s Office. They are a good crime-fighting partner.”