Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Rural Homer, LA is a sportsman's paradise, from bird watching in state parks to some of the best fishing in northern Louisiana. With a struggling economy and against all odds, the high school football team went to the state championship and won, even returning to state the following year, which gave the town a boost in spirit. If you don't believe in déjà vu, here is a re-enactment of Jena 6 in Homer, LA. Five Black teenagers, affectionately called the HOMER 5, were arrested without their parents' notification. These five Black teenagers are aspiring high school football athletes and were charged with Conspiracy and Felony Obstruction of Justice, which has caused a stir in this northeast Louisiana town. With the recent melee in Montgomery, AL, this has caused a social nerve to be struck in the Black community. Homer Police Chief ElVan McDaniel recused himself from this investigation due to a conflict of interest. This is where the case becomes convoluted. Allegedly, the police chief gives the case to the LA State Police, but they never look at it. Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Department allegedly reviewed the case and, without notifying any parents or juvenile social workers, began an open sweep on these five young men. For years, Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Department has received misconduct complaints about the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, deputies on patrol, and the town's former police administration. Now, this current sheriff, who is running for re-election, has caught the eyes of national media again. At the time of arrest, two of the young men were under the age of 16, so legally, parents or guardians should have had to consent to fingerprints and give mugshots of their child(ren). The grandmother and legal guardian, Patricia Williams, of Jermonterius Daniel, 16, says, her grandson's arrest is "political" due to the recent election coming up. Barbara Williams mother of Jeremiah Wafer, 14, shared a heartfelt story, "I know my son, and he hasn't been the same! My son is not himself anymore. I can tell this has affected him because it has affected me!" she explains. "They all know each other and were together all the time!"

"These children have been traumatized, being shacked like animals by the hands and feet," said Kevin Williams Sr., father of Kevin Williams Jr., 15. According to Channel 3 KTBS news report, Sheriff Sam Dowies (also running for re-election) was accused of wrongfully detaining Ladarius Curry, a Black truck driver. The sheriff's use of excessive force on Mr. Curry, throwing him against a wall, resulted in his shoulder being fractured. In this same report, a Claiborne Parish man filed a lawsuit that a sheriff's deputy slammed and groped him. Also, in April 2022, a video was released of a Claiborne Parish warden, who was unprovoked strike and mace inmate Cedric Moore of Homer as he was walking away. Homer, LA. The local sheriff's department runs the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. The parents and guardians share the same sentiments - Justice is priority one.

"The buck stops here! When you start arresting and dragging children off the football field for nothing, that's wrong!" Kevin Williams Sr. said, "My baby is not going to be used as a political tool to get the sheriff re-elected! These young men [Homer 5]have stuck to their story, whereas the young man shot himself, and it was not a homicide!"

The next court date was September 6, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Claiborne Parish Courthouse. This is an ongoing investigation.