District Attorney J. Collin Sims announced that on Thursday, September 17, 2026, a synchronized, multi-agency operation in Bogalusa led to the execution of four search warrants and six arrest warrants targeting a major drug distribution network linked to lethal overdoses in Washington Parish. The operation resulted in the arrest of ten individuals, including two facing second-degree murder charges tied to fatal overdoses. Law enforcement personnel seized over one kilogram of suspected fentanyl, electronic devices, and firearms. Laboratory analysis also revealed counterfeit pills containing cychlorphine – a dangerous synthetic opioid estimated by forensic experts to be approximately ten times more potent than fentanyl – were seized during the investigation.
Earlier today, September 18, 2026, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office held a joint press conference alongside the District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Slidell Police Department, and the Bogalusa Police Department at the Washington Parish Courthouse to discuss the details of the arrests and takedown operation.
“Operations of this scale do not happen in a silo, and no single agency can tackle an enterprise like this alone,” said District Attorney Collin Sims. “This operation succeeded because of seamless collaboration across local, state, federal, and parish borders. From the initial detective work by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office and our task force investigators to the tactical, investigative, and logistical support provided by over a dozen agency partners, every single team member played a vital role in protecting our community and holding these violent networks accountable.”
The joint investigation coincided with a series of fatal overdoses in Washington Parish during the summer of 2026. Investigators traced illicit drug supply routes from street-level distribution up through mid-level suppliers and out-of-state pipelines moving synthetic opioids from Texas, California, and Mississippi into Washington Parish.
Six primary targets were arrested on warrants stemming directly from the joint illicit drugs and homicide investigation.
- Savannah Stephens was arrested for Second-Degree Murder, Distribution of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Conspiracy.
- John Stewart was arrested for Second-Degree Murder (as a Principal), Distribution of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Conspiracy.
- Whitney Sykes, Randy King Jr. (“Weezy”), and Joshua King (“MoneyMakinJosh”) were each arrested for Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Conspiracy, and Money Laundering.
- Brandon Lotts was arrested for Criminal Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I, II, and IV Controlled Dangerous Substances, Conspiracy, and Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses.
- Additionally, four individuals were taken into custody during the operation on separate drug and outstanding warrant violations: Brian L. McCrory, Jeffrey Cullen Maddox, Rodney Rayleigh Stewart, and Albert Joseph Stewart.
The execution of this coordinated operation was made possible through the direct participation and shared resources of numerous partner law enforcement and public safety agencies. Participating entities included the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Office of the District Attorney for the 22nd Judicial District, the Drug Enforcement Administration Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Slidell Police Department, the Bogalusa Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection – New Orleans Air and Marine Branch, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections Division of Probation and Parole, the Louisiana State Police, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the United States Secret Service, and the Louisiana Army Reserve and National Guard.
“When public safety agencies align their resources and expertise, we send a clear message: those who profit off poison and devastation in our neighborhoods will be brought before a court of law,” Sims added. “Our office is committed to working alongside every partner agency to ensure these cases are thoroughly prosecuted.”
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty before a court of law.