A Message from Our District Attorney

As District Attorney, the principle by which I will run this office is to make decisions based on the merits, based on the facts, based on hard work and the results of that hard work. That’s the American way, the American Dream. We are blessed to live where we live. This is a great community. This is a great place to raise a family. This is a great place to start a business. This a great place to seek and follow the American Dream. And the reason that these things are true is, the people who live here. That’s what makes this a great community.

Mission Statement

The Office of District Attorney of the 22nd Judicial District is dedicated to the pursuit of truth and justice, protecting the public and serving our community through the ethical prosecution of criminal offenses and civil matters while safeguarding the rights of all citizens, including the accused.

Goals

▪ To help improve the quality of life for all residents of Washington and St. Tammany Parishes

▪ Create and maintain open communication to promote the best interests of the community, ensuring that the public is kept informed of the work we are doing

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News

  • Jury Convicts Pearl River Man of Molesting A Juvenile

    Jury Convicts Pearl River Man of Molesting A Juvenile

                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 9, 2019 COVINGTON—District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that a St. Tammany Parish jury found Claude Wayne Bennett, 68, of Pearl River, guilty Wednesday (Aug. 7) of two counts of Molestation of a Juvenile under 13. He faces 25 to 99 years in prison when …
  • Slidell Man Convicted of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile And Drug Charges

    Slidell Man Convicted of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile And Drug Charges

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 5, 2019 COVINGTON- District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that a St. Tammany Parish Jury convicted Lenard “Andy” Turpin, 52, of Slidell, Thursday (August 1) of Attempted Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile under 13, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Dangerous Substance, and two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine to Persons Under …
  • Jury Finds Father Guilty of First-Degree Murder In Death Of 6-Week Old Son

    Jury Finds Father Guilty of First-Degree Murder In Death Of 6-Week Old Son

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 19, 2019 COVINGTON—District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that a St. Tammany Parish jury found Anthony Dearmas, 27, of New Orleans, guilty Friday (July 19) of first-degree murder in the death of his son, 6-week-old Karter Smith. Dearmas faces mandatory life in prison with no possibility of probation, parole, or suspension of …

Accomplishments Since January 2015

If you will read the initial goals I set out to achieve, you’ll find that I, along with my fantastic staff, have accomplished many of those goals:

  1. Created more transparent office
  2. Hired top-notch staff (55% of ADAs and 50% of investigators new)
  3. Created Screening Department
  4. Improved Domestic Violence Unit
  5. Enhanced use of Specialty Courts and helped create new Veterans Court
  6. Upgraded technology office-wide
  7. Created employee manual
  8. Stabilized budget
  9. Created Financial Assistance Program for indigent defendants to participate in Diversion Program
  10. Work more closely with Law enforcement agencies

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