Fifth Judicial District Attorney's Office

05/22/2026

PSA 📣 for Franklin Parish residents!
Need assistance? See the post below.

Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office

05/21/2026

05/19/2026

Big birthday shout-out to ADA Caroline E. Hemphill ! 🥳

We’re lucky to have such a dedicated prosecutor serving the Franklin Parish community.

Join us in wishing her an incredible day and a great year ahead!

05/19/2026

⚖️ The verdict is in: Goldie Locks was found guilty — twice in one day!

Today, the District Attorney’s Office hosted our 4th Grade Mock Trial in West Carroll. Due to the large number of students participating, we split the class into two groups for the case of State vs. Goldie Locks, and both juries returned guilty verdicts. ⚖️

We appreciate the elected officials and staff members who took time out of their day to participate and help provide students with a firsthand look at the judicial system and the different roles within it.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this experience possible:

• Sheriff Scott Matthews and his team for taking the students through the jail and demonstrating the department's drone equipment

• Judge Clay Hamilton for presiding over court and assisting the student judges throughout the trial

• Clerk Karen Jones for working with the student clerks and explaining court procedures

• District Attorney Penny Douciere for instructing the students and explaining the role the District Attorney’s Office in our community

• Assistant DA Molly Clement for assisting and instructing the student prosecutors

• Juvenile Support Staff Pam Henry for helping guide the defense team

• Bailiff Donal Robinson for assisting the student bailiffs and maintaining order in the courtroom

• Mandy Mixon for helping coordinate and organize the jurors

• Shane Cupples of the West Carroll School Board for helping make this event possible

We also want to thank the students and teachers for participating. We enjoy being able to provide opportunities like this to help students better understand the judicial process through direct involvement and observation.

05/15/2026

Free Tennis Clinic in Franklin Parish for the kids, K-12th grade.
Hosted by: Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Bryan Linder and Deputies invite you to join us for Stay on Court, Not In Court!
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 - Friday, May 29, 2026.
This is free to the public for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade. Times for each age group are in the image below. Join us in the fun and learn more about tennis! We look forward to seeing you there.

Please share with your friends who may have an interest in tennis!

05/13/2026

To the Graduating Class of 2026 of Franklin, Richland, and West Carroll Parishes — congratulations on this incredible achievement! 🎓

Today marks the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another filled with opportunity, purpose, and possibility. Whether your next step is college, trade school, military service, or entering the workforce, we encourage each of you to move forward with confidence, integrity, and determination.

As you celebrate this milestone, remember that your choices matter. Stay focused on your goals, surround yourself with positive influences, and always carry the values of your community with you. Success is not only measured by accomplishments, but by the character you show along the way.

Our communities are proud of the young men and women you are becoming, and we look forward to seeing the impact you will make across our parishes and beyond.

Celebrate safely, support one another, and enjoy this well-earned moment. Your future is bright.

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

— The Fifth Judicial District Attorney’s Office

05/13/2026

💛💙This week, during Police Week, we proudly honor the men and women who serve throughout the 5th District. Your courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our communities deserve recognition not just this week — but every day.

We especially want to recognize a group that often works behind the scenes without the praise they truly deserve: OUR DISPATCHERS!

These men and women are the calm voices during someone’s worst moment. They answer the calls, gather the information, coordinate emergency responses, and help keep both officers and citizens safe. They are the first first responders, and their dedication, professionalism, and compassion are invaluable.

Pictured are some of the dispatchers who were on duty today serving the communities across the 5th District. While not everyone is pictured, we appreciate each and every dispatcher who works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our officers and citizens safe. Thank you all for the dedication, professionalism, and calm voices you provide every single day. 💛

To all law enforcement personnel across the Franklin, Richland and West Carroll Parishes — deputies, officers, investigators, correctional staff, dispatchers, and support personnel — thank you for your service and sacrifice. We appreciate you more than words can say.💙

05/10/2026

Join us in wishing District Attorney Penny Douciere a very Happy Birthday today! 🥳

We hope this year brings continued success and happiness. Best wishes from the entire office!

05/10/2026

Behind every great office is a group of amazing women! 🌷

Today we’re celebrating the mothers in our office and throughout Franklin, Richland and West Carroll parishes.

Thank you for everything you do at work and at home. Happy Mother’s Day!

05/08/2026

Guilty as Charged! 🥣🐻
The District Attorney’s Office had a fantastic time hosting the Delhi Homeschool Co-op for a special mock trial: State of Louisiana vs. Goldie Locks!

Our young legal minds took to the courtroom to argue the case of the century. After weighing all the evidence—and a few bowls of porridge—the jury returned a verdict: GUILTY! ⚖️

We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who made this educational experience possible:

Sheriff Neal Harwell for joining us and providing a delicious lunch for the group!

Judge Will Barham for presiding and assisting the students through the trial.

Clerk Melissa Morris and the Deputy Clerk for their essential help in the courtroom.

District Attorney Penny Douciere (Prosecution) and ADA Amanda Wilkins (Defense) for mentoring the students on both sides of the aisle.

The Bailiff for keeping the court in perfect order.

and our very own Melissa Jones and Mandy Mixon.

It was a joy to see these students in action, learning about the judicial process firsthand. Thank you to the students and parents for such an engaging and memorable afternoon!