Collin Sims DA

GUILTY AS CHARGED | SLIDELL NARCOTICS TRAFFICKER CONVICTED BY ST. TAMMANY JURY

A St. Tammany Parish jury has found 66-year-old Eugene McKnight of Slidell guilty as charged on multiple narcotics trafficking charges following a trial before Judge Alan M. Black.

McKnight was convicted of:
🔹 Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS (Fentanyl)
🔹 Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS (Co***ne)
🔹 Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses

"This verdict reinforces our commitment to targeting and dismantling narcotics trafficking in St. Tammany Parish," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "Individuals who continue to push dangerous drugs like fentanyl and co***ne into our neighborhoods will face the full weight of the law."

The case was investigated by the Slidell Police Department Narcotics Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Luke Lancaster and Alex Alexander.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2026.

Read the full press release at the link below.

Slidell Man Found Guilty as Charged on Narcotics Trafficking Violations Following St. Tammany Jury Trial - J. Collin Sims District Attorney 22nd Judicial District, Louisiana District Attorney J. Collin Sims reports that today, a St. Tammany Parish jury found 66-year-old Eugene McKnight of Slidell, Louisiana, guilty as charged on all counts relating to narcotics trafficking following a trial before the Honorable Judge Alan M. Black. Assistant District Attorneys Luke Lanc...

JOINT INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST IN SUSPECTED OVERDOSE CASE

District Attorney Collin Sims announces that a joint investigation between the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office Opioid Initiative and the DEA’s Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (DEA FORT) has led to the arrest of a suspected narcotics distributor following a recent overdose incident in Pearl River.

Working across parish boundaries alongside the Pearl River Police Department, Slidell Police Department, and Louisiana State Police, investigators traced the supply chain into Orleans Parish, locating and apprehending the suspect in less than two weeks.

The suspect was taken into custody on multiple narcotics-related charges and is currently awaiting extradition to St. Tammany Parish.

"When a suspected overdose occurs, our teams respond immediately, follow the evidence across parish boundaries, and pursue those responsible for bringing dangerous substances into our communities." - District Attorney Collin Sims

"Fentanyl and illicit narcotics recognize no municipal or parish boundaries, which is why our enforcement response cannot either." - DEA Special Agent in Charge John P. Scott

The investigation remains active and ongoing. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Read the full press release at the link below.

22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office Opioid Initiative and DEA FORT Partner in Multi-Agency Narcotics Investigation - J. Collin Sims District Attorney 22nd Judicial District, Louisiana District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office Opioid Initiative, in close partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (DEA FORT), has arrested a suspected narcotics distributor following a recent investigat...

JUSTICE SERVED: Final Life Sentence Handed Down in Fatal Bogalusa High School Shooting

District Attorney Collin Sims announces that today, July 27, 2026, 19-year-old Hakheim Young was sentenced to Life in Prison without the benefit of parole for his role in the tragic January 2024 shooting at Bogalusa High School that claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy.

Following a unanimous guilty verdict in June, Judge John A. Keller sentenced Young to life imprisonment for Second Degree Murder, alongside two consecutive 30-year sentences for Attempted Second Degree Murder (to run concurrently with the life sentence).

This marks the second life sentence secured by Assistant District Attorneys Jay Adair and Gary Tromblay in this case. Co-defendant Keldric Harry was previously sentenced to life in prison in April 2026.

"A 14-year-old child lost his life to automatic weapon fire over an unlocked car door. There is no place in Washington Parish for those who hold such a reckless disregard for human life." — DA Collin Sims

Read the full official press release here at the link below.

Co-Defendant Hakheim Young Sentenced to Life in Prison for Fatal Bogalusa High School Basketball Game Shooting - J. Collin Sims District Attorney 22nd Judicial District, Louisiana District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that today, July 27, 2026, 19-year-old Hakheim Young of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was sentenced to life in prison without the benefit of parole for his role in the January 2024 fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy. Following a unanimous guilty verdict returned by...

Supporting Mental Health Through Community Partnership

DA Collin Sims was honored to attend the 2025-2026 NAMI Southeast Louisiana Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon alongside community leaders from across the nine-parish region.

Pictured with DA Sims (left to right) are NAMI Southeast Louisiana Executive Director Nick Richard, St. Tammany Parish Interim Sheriff Bret Ibert, and St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper.

NAMI Southeast Louisiana provides education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness. The Office of the District Attorney values the organization’s important work and appreciates the opportunity to stand alongside community partners committed to improving mental health awareness and resources throughout our region.

Cooking for a Cause!

We’re proud to support Hope House’s Heroes Who Cook 2026 as District Attorney Collin Sims teams up with Haven Coffee & Cocktails to help raise awareness and support for children impacted by abuse.

Mark your calendars for November 1, and be sure to grab your tickets when they go on sale September 1. We hope to see you there!

MISSISSIPPI MAN SENTENCED TO MAXIMUM 10 YEARS WITHOUT PAROLE FOR COMPUTER-AIDED SOLICITATION OF A MINOR

District Attorney Collin Sims announces that 56-year-old Michael Stanley Lang of Poplarville, Mississippi, was sentenced today by Judge Richard Swartz to 10 years at the Department of Corrections without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence - the maximum statutory penalty for Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor. Following his release, Lang will be required to register as a s*x offender.

The sentence follows an April 2026 conviction by a St. Tammany Parish jury, stemming from an undercover operation conducted by the Covington Police Department.

"This maximum sentence sends an unequivocal message: those who attempt to prey on our children in digital spaces will face the full weight of the law," DA Sims stated.

Special thanks to our prosecutors, ADAs Christina Fisher and Taylor Nicholson, and our 22nd JDC Special Victims Unit Task Force partners - including the Covington Police Department, Slidell Police Department, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office - for their dedication to protecting our community.

Read the full release at the link below.

Mississippi Man Sentenced to Maximum Term of 10 Years Without Parole for Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor - J. Collin Sims District Attorney 22nd Judicial District, Louisiana District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that today, the Honorable Judge Richard Swartz sentenced 56-year-old Michael Stanley Lang of Poplarville, Mississippi, to 10 years in prison at the Department of Corrections without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. The 10-year te...

DA Collin Sims stopped by Highway 104.7 to talk all things jury selection, DA office budgets, and future funding plans for the 22nd Judicial District.
Always glad to share how our team works every day to serve the community. Thanks for having us, Northshore Media Group!

District Attorney Collin Sims stopped by Northshore Media group to talk about the jury selection process, budgets and future funding of Budgets. Great information! Oh, and he's healing well!

We are actively seeking a skilled attorney with trial experience for our felony division.

District Attorney Office - ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY - Felony Division   The purpose of the position is to provide legal counsel and execute legal imperatives or actions in all criminal prosecutions for the District Attorney’s Office for the 22nd Judicial District, State of Louisiana.  Employees in this classification perform professional, legal, admin...

NEW ORLEANS MAN CONVICTED IN STRING OF ARMED ROBBERIES AT SLIDELL CONVENIENCE STORES

Yesterday, a St. Tammany Parish jury found 36-year-old Kevin Borden guilty on all counts for three armed robberies committed over 17 days in the summer of 2022.

Borden targeted local businesses - the Shortcut Highway RaceTrac, the Voters Road Circle K, and Moody’s Time Saver on Gause Boulevard - threatening employees at gunpoint while wearing a mask to hide his face.

Thanks to an exceptional investigation by the Slidell Police Department, detectives pieced together regional Real-Time Crime Camera footage, a critical community tip, and a crucial DNA match from a bottle of orange soda Borden touched with bare hands and left at a crime scene. When law enforcement closed in, Borden even rammed an occupied FBI vehicle before crashing and trying to flee on foot.

Because Borden is a four-time felony offender, he faces a mandatory sentence of 99 years to life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2026.

ADAs Christina Fisher and John Almerico prosecuted the case. "Borden targeted local businesses and threatened the safety of our community at gunpoint," said District Attorney Collin Sims. "Because of the diligent work of law enforcement and the strength of the evidence presented by our trial team, a violent, career offender is off our streets for good."

👉 Read the full press release here at the link below.

New Orleans Man Convicted in String of Armed Robberies at Slidell Convenience Stores - J. Collin Sims District Attorney 22nd Judicial District, Louisiana District Attorney Collin J. Sims announces that on July 16, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found 36-year-old Kevin Borden of New Orleans, Louisiana, guilty on all counts for a string of armed robberies committed at Slidell convenience stores in the summer of 2022. Following a trial in front of the....

Honoring Our Faith Leaders with an Appreciation Luncheon

Today, District Attorney Collin Sims was honored to co-host a Religious Leader Appreciation Luncheon with St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court Jessica Jenkins Brewster at The Greystone in Mandeville.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the many religious leaders who joined us for this special event. With a full room of attendees, the luncheon was a meaningful opportunity to recognize the important role our faith community plays in strengthening families, serving those in need, and helping build safer, stronger communities across St. Tammany Parish.

A special thank you to our keynote speaker, Rev. Lee Shipp of First New Testament Church, for sharing an inspiring message. Also, special thanks to Dr. Fredrick Young, Sr. We appreciate everyone who participated in today’s program and all of the religious leaders who took the time to attend.

We were honored to welcome Judge Vincent Lobello of the 22nd Judicial District Court, along with St. Tammany Parish Council Members Maureen “MO” O’Brien, Martha Cazaubon, and Larry Rolling.

Special thanks to our generous sponsors, Bindewald Maintenance, Inc. and Ballard Brands (PJ’s Coffee), whose support helped make this luncheon possible.

Thank you to everyone who attended and for your continued service, leadership, and commitment to our community.