Hammond, LA – The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of 48 year old Ernest “Fletcher” Felder of Hammond, in connection with the death of a 30 year old female.

Chief Jimmy Travis says on Sunday, June 11, 2023, deputies received a missing persons report where 30 year old Pauline Deese of Hammond had not been heard from since approximately 8:00 PM the night before. During the investigation, information was discovered indicating Felder had provided Deese with illegal narcotics containing Fentanyl, which ultimately led to her untimely death. It was also learned that after Deese ingested the narcotics, Felder proceeded to sexually assault her. At some point during the assault, Deese overdosed and became unresponsive. Deese was later dropped off at North Oaks Medical Center by way of private vehicle, where she was pronounced dead.

As a result of the investigation, Ernest Felder was taken into custody on Monday June 11 and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on (1) count First Degree Murder and (1) count Second Degree Rape. Felder was also charged with (2) counts Possession CDS II, (1) count Possession CDS 1, (1) count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and (1) count Resisting an Officer.

**All persons accused of a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty.