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FRANKLINTON, La. — Interim District Attorney J. Collin Sims announced on February 7, 2024, that a Washington Parish grand jury has indicted 15 men and 1 woman on charges of racketeering. The indictments stem from a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies and a long-term investigation into organized crime activities in the region.

The joint effort, which included the District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Bogalusa Police Department, the Franklinton Police Department, and other agencies, led to the development of evidence that resulted in the indictment of sixteen individuals.

District Attorney Sims emphasized the significance of the indictments, stating, “This is part of a series of indictments targeting violent crime in Bogalusa with our local, state, and federal partners. In total, 51 individuals have now been indicted between the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We will continue to make the safety of the citizens of Bogalusa a priority.”

Joshua Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF New Orleans, highlighted the importance of collaboration in combating violent crime. “Bringing ATF’s expertise and resources to focus on individuals and organizations that plague our communities with their gun trafficking and violence is a top priority of ATF and our partners at the St. Tammany District Attorney’s Office,” said Jackson.

The individuals indicted are accused of participating in a racketeering enterprise operating between January 1, 2017, and November 13, 2023. They include individuals from various locations, including Bogalusa, Fort Worth, Texas, and Killeen, Texas.

The alleged racketeering conduct involves the operation of a firearms and narcotics distribution network in Washington and St. Tammany Parishes. The indictment accuses members and associates of the enterprise of engaging in various criminal activities, including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, illegal possession and trafficking of firearms, distribution of controlled substances, money laundering, and obstruction of justice.

Among those indicted is Trevion Mark, who also faces charges of second-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, possession of schedule II drugs, and obstruction of justice by tampering with evidence. Other individuals indicted include:

• Trveion Mark, Age 27 of Fort Worth, Texas
• Mark Amos IV aka: “FG Famous” Age 25 of Bogalusa
• Demarquiez Devon Harris aka: “Quez” Age 28 of Bogalusa
• Kelzon Clark Aka: “Boo” Age 30 of Bogalusa
• Kenyatta G. Scott, Jr. aka: “Yatta” Age 26 of Bogalusa
• Dakeithan D. Matthews aka: “Wop” Age 28 of Bogalusa
• Sheylyn J. Griffin aka: “Bap” Age 26 of Bogalusa
• Jamar Mcgowan aka: “Jig” Age 30 of Angie
• Trevonne L. Mingo aka: “Chapo” Age 28 of Bogalusa
• Brittany N. Mayes Age 37 of Jonesboro, Georgia
• Carlos J. Walker aka: “Los” Age 34 of Bogalusa
• Ja’vontay Marquese Owens aka: “Joe Black” Age 30 of Bogalusa
• Caleb R. Allen Age 21 of Bogalusa
• Tylar R. Redditt Age 23 of Bogalusa
• Markus K. Mark aka: “Poel” Age 28 of Killeen, Texas
• Jakeithon Trevon Smith Age 21 of Bogalusa

This indictment follows a previous indictment brought by the D.A.’s Office on September 20, 2023, targeting organized criminal activity. In that case, twenty-five individuals were charged in a twenty-nine-count indictment related to racketeering and offenses tied to the enterprise.

Assistant District Attorney Doug Freese presented both cases to the grand jury.

Assistant Chief Troy Tervalon of the Bogalusa Police Department commended the collaboration between agencies, stating, “Cases and investigations such as these prove how important it is to have a strong and positive working relationship with the District Attorney’s Office. The collaboration utilized amongst these agencies ensures the safety of all our citizens. We remain committed to maintaining a strong relationship with the District Attorney’s Office, along with our local, state, and federal partners, in the pursuit of justice against drug dealers and violent offenders within our community.”

The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies underscore the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of communities affected by organized crime activities.