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Interim District Attorney Collin Sims praised his team’s diligence as four defendants received guilty verdicts in three separate cases, each facing life imprisonment upon sentencing.

Last week, a group of seasoned prosecutors under Collin Sims’ leadership achieved convictions in a single-defendant rape case, a two-defendant rape case, and a second-degree murder case. The outcomes, delivered on Friday, January 26, 2024, represent significant triumphs for justice in St. Tammany and Washington Parishes.

Joshua May was found guilty of one count of First Degree Rape and one count of aggravated crime against nature involving a victim under 13. Prosecutors Luke Lancaster and Casey Allen presented the case before Judge Ellen Creel. May is slated for life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, probation, or sentence suspension.

In a separate proceeding, Brandy Seal and Derek Polk were convicted of one count of First Degree Rape concerning a juvenile under thirteen. Iain Dover and Tiffany Dover handled the prosecution before Judge Tara Zeller, with both defendants staring at life imprisonment without parole, probation, or sentence suspension.

Joseph Peoples, convicted of second-degree murder of Shawn Whiteside, also faced charges of obstruction of justice, conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Prosecutors Jay Adair and Hank Meyer presented the case before Judge Alan Zaunbrecher. While Adair boasts over two decades of prosecutorial experience, this trial marked Meyer’s inaugural appearance following a distinguished career in law enforcement with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Peoples is set to receive life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, probation, or sentence suspension on the Second-Degree Murder charge.

Sims lauded his team’s dedication, emphasizing the collective endeavor of the District Attorney’s Office, including prosecutors, victim witness coordinators, and staff. “The hard work and commitment of the entire District Attorney’s Office to serve our community was evident last week,” Sims remarked. “We are indeed fortunate to have such experienced and committed prosecutors in our office.”