News

These past few weeks, Pres. Biden has touted so-called successes of his Administration. The first involved his speech at the United Nations in which he highlighted his purportedly successful use of diplomacy to strengthen global democracy. The second involved how, he argues, his Administration has reduced crime while seeking, as always, to limit the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. In both instances, I shook my head and wondered if he still had a grasp of reality.

(I think Biden’s touting of his “accomplishments” could not come at a worse time for VP Kamala Harris as Biden publicly claims ‘she was the last person in the room’ on all of his major decisions, as she desperately tries to deny the last four years — and the numerous disasters and policy failures of which she played a central role.)

DeSoto Parish Schools proudly announces that Anesha Ross, Principal of Mansfield High School, has been named the 20242025 DeSoto Parish Principal of the Year. A product of DeSoto Parish Schools herself, Ross has dedicated over a decade to advancing education and leadership within the district, making a lasting impact on both students and staff.

Under Ms. Ross’ leadership, Mansfield High School achieved its highest School Performance Score (SPS) in its history, 97.5, for the 2022-2023 school year. The school has maintained its “A” rating while experiencing significant improvements in academic performance for the 2023-2024 school year. Notably, Mansfield High School increased its SPS in five of the six core subject high school assessment areas.

On 09/10/24, three (3) arrests were made resulting from a Narcotics Search Warrant executed at an address on Pam Street in Mansfield by DeSoto Narcotics Agents, SLlU, SWAT, and Proactive Patrol. Ben L. Bonner (B/M DaB: 08/22/1988) of Mansfield was taken into custody on charges of Resisting an Officer, Possession of Marijuana under 14 grams, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Samantha D. Paul (B/F DOB: 09/19/1981) of Mansfield was taken into custody and charged with Possession of Schedule II (Cocaine) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Lastly, Allen J. Williams (B/M DaB: 12/12/1975) of Mansfield was taken into custody on a Fugitive Arrest Warrant and also charged with One (1) Count of Distribution of Schedule II (Meth). This single Narcotics Search Warrant yielded three (3) arrests, while also seizing varying amounts of Marijuana, Cocaine, Meth, and illegally possessed Firearms.

The DeSoto Parish Chamber of Chamber cordially invite members and public to join them at Mansfield Historic Site, located at 15149 LA 175 in Mansfield, for the presentation of historical items at 10:00 a.m., on Friday September 27.

Following the Mansfield Historic Site presentation, a Open House and Ribbon Cutting will be held welcoming Geaux Luxe Boutique, located at 211 Washington Avenue, Suite F in Mansfield with an Open House from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with the Ribbon Cutting set for 12:00 p.m.

For more information contact the DeSoto Parish Chamber of Commerce at 318-872-1310.

Happy New Week, everyone! It’s time to Get to Know another DeSoto Parish Schools SRO! This week we share with you Dy. Brooklyn Smith who serves at the North DeSoto Upper Elementary! A Joaquin High School graduate, Brooklyn joined the DPSO family in 2021 and has been serving as School Resource Officer at NDUE for the last few years. We hope you share these posts with your kiddos so they can better know their SRO! Until next time!

In the evening hours of November 03, 2023, deputies with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Mary Street in Mansfield in reference to a shooting that had just taken place. Upon arrival, deputies located one unresponsive black male, later identified to be Frank Edwards Jr. Deputies rendered aid to Edwards in an attempt to save his life. Ultimately, he was transported to DeSoto Regional Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Dameion Deon Cotton (B/M DOB 04/20/1991) is currently being sought by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office on charges of Domestic Abuse Battery, Aggravated Criminal Property Damage, Simple Criminal Property Damage, and Violation of Protection Orders. Cotton’s last known residence is in Mansfield, La. If you have information that may lead investigators to Dameion Cotton’s location, Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for any tip that leads to his arrest. You can leave a tip anonymously by visiting www.P3Tips.com, call 1-800-505-7867, or by using the Submit A Tip form in the DeSoto Sheriff App.

State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J Adams would like to congratulate the agency’s newest captain, Justin McCullough. Capt. McCullough will now serve as the leader over the agency’s Area 4 (North Louisiana) Enforcement section.

“Captain Mc-Cullough has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, and I am confident that he will continue to excel in his new role. I look forward to seeing him lead our team with pride and compassion,” said Adams, “As we work to shape our office for future success, our emerging leaders are consistently stepping up and impressing us. Captain McCullough exemplifies the potential that lies ahead for our team. We remain committed to supporting and mentoring our leadership, helping them reach their fullest potential at a pace that suits their individual development.”

Congratulations Capt. McCullough!

Earlier this week, we announced that Sheriff Richardson was chosen bytheKSLANewsTeam as “Sheriff of the Year” at their first ever First Responders Recognition Banquet. Several weeks ago, KSLA reached out to our office requesting that we nominate one person for each of the following categories to be considered among all other agencies: — Sheriff of the Year — Corrections Deputy of the Year — Dispatcher of the Year — Deputy of the Year (overall) — Purple Heart (Injured in the Line of Duty) — and a Lifetime Achievement Award Only one person was selected in each category among various surrounding agencies. Needless to say, there were some amazing stories to be told. Today, we will be sharing the stories of those our office chose to nominate, each written by their direct supervisors.

1. SGT. CODY COPELAND — NOMINATED BY DPSO for

Last Tuesday, DeSoto patrol Deputies were alerted that Shreveport Police Officers were in pursuit of a stolen public works vehicle traveling southbound on I-49, about to enter DeSoto Parish. DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Deputies intercepted the pursuit just north of Stonewall. Deputies were able to successfully deploy spike strips near the 189 mile marker.

During the pursuit, a DeSoto Sheriff Tahoe was damaged due to debris flying from the vehicle. This pursuit continued south on I-49 until it concluded by use of a Pursuit Intervention Technique, also known as a PIT Maneuver.