Collin Sims DA

09/04/2026

SENTENCED TO LIFE: Fentanyl Dealer Receives Mandatory Life Sentence for Overdose Death

Derrick Fairley, 43, has been sentenced to mandatory life in prison without parole for Second Degree Murder in the December 2024 fentanyl overdose death of 34-year-old Roxanne Fortenberry.

In an emotional courtroom moment, Fortenberry’s mother addressed the defendant directly, quoting John 3:16 and asking him where he would spend eternity. "Today’s sentence brings an end to the criminal career of a predator who traded a human life for profit," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "Today’s life sentence ensures that this defendant will never again poison our community," said DA Sims.

Thank you to ADAs Iain Dover and Tiffany Dover, the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office, the DEA FORT team, U.S. Secret Service, Louisiana State Police, Covington PD, and Bogalusa PD for delivering justice.

Click on the link below to read the full press release on our website.

District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that today, District Judge Martin Coady sentenced 43-year-old Derrick Fairley of Angie, Louisiana, to life imprisonment without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. Judge Coady also handed down a concurrent 15-year sentence for Fairl...

09/04/2026

Grand Jury Indicts Two Defendants in Separate St. Tammany Cases

A St. Tammany Parish Grand Jury has returned true bills in two separate, unrelated felony cases. Frank Willis Jenkins, 52, of Covington, was indicted on one count of Second-Degree Murder. Slayde Ashton Taylor, 19, of Slidell, was indicted on one count of First-Degree R**e of a Child under thirteen years of age.

"These indictments demonstrate our unwavering commitment to protecting the citizens of St. Tammany Parish, particularly our most vulnerable youth," said District Attorney J. Collin Sims. "Our office - alongside our partners in law enforcement - will aggressively prosecute both of these cases to the fullest extent of the law."

Click below to read the full press release on our website.

District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish Grand Jury returned true bills indicting two individuals in separate, unrelated cases involving severe felony offenses. The indictments returned by the grand jury include: Frank Willis Jenkins, 52,....

09/04/2026

All offices of the District Attorney for the 22nd Judicial District will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Our offices will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day.

09/04/2026

PUBLIC SAFETY IN ACTION | WASHINGTON PARISH

District Attorney Collin Sims joined Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith at Thomas Elementary School in Franklinton to observe an active shooter response drill.

The exercise provided an opportunity to see firsthand how law enforcement and school personnel train and coordinate to respond to a critical incident and protect students and staff.

Following the drill, Sheriff Smith gave DA Sims a tour of the Washington Parish Communications Center, where emergency calls and public safety communications are coordinated throughout the parish.

Thank you to Sheriff Smith, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the staff at Thomas Elementary School for the invitation, their participation in this important training, and their continued commitment to keeping our schools and communities safe.

09/03/2026

On September 2, 2026, Lauryn Faciane and Tonya Barth, previous administrators of Lyon Elementary in Covington, both pled guilty to violating Louisiana’s mandatory reporter laws. Two of the incidents involved serious sexual conduct that occurred on campus between students between 8-9 years old. These incidents were not reported to the School Resource Officer (SRO), other Law Enforcement, or the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). In one incident, the child’s parents were not notified that anything had occurred.

We would like to commend the Covington Police Department for its investigation that brought these failures to light. Louisiana’s mandatory reporter laws exist to protect children. They help identify and hold accountable those who abuse children, but just as importantly, they ensure suspected abuse is reported promptly so appropriate authorities can intervene and protect every child involved, whether the abuse is limited to a particular situation or stems from another source.

While children of the ages involved in these incidents are not criminally culpable under Louisiana law, the current statutory framework treats a failure to report this type of abuse between children below the age of criminal culpability as a misdemeanor offense. That legal distinction does not diminish the seriousness of the underlying conduct or the obligation to report it. Sexual conduct involving children this young meets the definition of child abuse and demands an immediate and appropriate response. These particular administrators had previously received specific training addressing this very issue, including the requirement that suspected child-on-child abuse be reported. School personnel do not have the discretion to minimize such conduct, dismiss it because of the children’s ages, or determine that it does not warrant reporting. When the law requires a report, that report must be made so that parents and the appropriate authorities can assess what occurred, determine whether any child may have been harmed or exposed to abuse, and take the steps necessary to protect all children involved.

These reporting requirements are not technicalities. They are safeguards designed to protect vulnerable children, and a failure to follow them can have serious consequences. We hope this outcome leads to a thorough re-evaluation of reporting practices within the school system and reinforces the responsibility of every mandatory reporter to act promptly when the law requires.

09/03/2026

GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW SLIDELL POLICE HEADQUARTERS

District Attorney Collin Sims joined local leaders and law enforcement partners today for the groundbreaking of the new Slidell Police Department headquarters.

The new facility will serve the officers of the Slidell Police Department and the community they protect for years to come.

Congratulations to Chief Tommy Williams, Mayor Randy Fandal and the entire Slidell Police Department on this important milestone.

09/03/2026

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | REPUBLICAN PROFESSIONAL WOMEN OF ST. TAMMANY

District Attorney Collin Sims was the guest speaker Tuesday evening at the Republican Professional Women of St. Tammany meeting at Tchefuncte Country Club in Covington.

DA Sims shared updates on the work and successes of the District Attorney’s Office, including the Special Victims Unit and Opioid Task Force, while also discussing the growing number of felony cases handled each year.

He also addressed the significant funding challenges facing St. Tammany Parish’s criminal justice system, including 60% cuts to parish funding for the District Attorney’s Office, Judiciary and Jail, as well as no parish funding for the Coroner’s Office. He discussed possible solutions to address these challenges, including options that would ultimately require approval by St. Tammany Parish voters.

Thank you to the Republican Professional Women of St. Tammany for the invitation and the opportunity to discuss the work of our office and the future of the criminal justice system in the 22nd Judicial District.

09/02/2026

LAW ENFORCEMENT PRAYER BREAKFAST

District Attorney Collin Sims joined local and state law enforcement partners this morning for the monthly Law Enforcement Prayer Breakfast at Ben’s Ford Baptist Church in Bogalusa.

Representatives from the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bogalusa Police Department, Louisiana State Police and other area agencies came together for fellowship, prayer and continued support of one another and the communities we serve.

Thank you to Pastor Caleb Martin and Associate Pastor Chris McClelland for continuing to host this monthly gathering.

09/02/2026

GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS: 22nd JDC Grand Jury Indicts Three in Separate Murder, Fentanyl, and Child Abuse Cases

A St. Tammany Parish Grand Jury has indicted three individuals on major felony charges across two separate cases.

Aaron Sylvester & Tracy McMurtry (New Orleans) were indicted following a fatal July Fentanyl overdose investigated by the DEA FORT team. Sylvester faces Second Degree Murder for allegedly supplying the fatal dose, while McMurtry faces Fentanyl distribution charges.

Orry Nicholas Mejia (Covington) was indicted on two felony counts of Molestation of a Juvenile Involving Control or Supervision following a STPSO investigation.

"Fentanyl is a poison in our community, and when it claims a life, we treat it with the immediate urgency of a homicide investigation,” said DA Collin Sims. "Protecting our children and holding those who abuse positions of trust accountable remain top priorities for this office."

All three defendants await formal arraignment in the 22nd Judicial District Court.

An indictment is an accusation. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Click on the link below for the full press release.

08/28/2026

PROTECTING CHILDREN THROUGH PARTNERSHIP

We are proud of Detective Brian Brown for leading an internet safety training focused on protecting children. Detective Brown serves with the Covington Police Department and as an investigator with the 22nd JDC District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit.

Thank you to Hope House and the Northshore Community Foundation for supporting this important work.