22nd Judicial District Attorney Collin Sims Washington & St. Tammany Parishes) announces a major week of justice for St. Tammany Parish, as three separate juries returned guilty verdicts against repeat offenders for crimes ranging from a brutal jailhouse battery to a near-execution during a vehicle repossession and armed narcotics possession.
“This week’s verdicts send a definitive message that my office and the citizens of this parish will not tolerate those who habitually act as if they are above the law,” said DA Sims. “Whether it is violence on our streets, the illegal combination of guns and drugs, or brutal attacks within our correctional facilities, we will hold these individuals accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
I. St. Tammany Jury Finds Slidell Man Guilty of Brutal Jailhouse Battery
On February 24, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found Farman Robert Gillum, 44, of Slidell, guilty as charged of Second Degree Battery following a trial presided over by Judge Alan M. Black. Assistant District Attorneys Luke Lancaster and Shelby Stoop prosecuted the case. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
The conviction stems from a coordinated August 16, 2022, attack within the St. Tammany Parish Jail. Surveillance footage showed Gillum and two co-defendants (who previously pleaded guilty) repeatedly striking an inmate. The victim suffered a broken nose, facial lacerations, and multiple instances of losing consciousness.
During ADA Lancaster’s closing remarks, he stated, “This is a violent man who committed a violent act because he thinks our laws do not apply within the prison system. I’m asking you to hold him accountable for this brutal attack.”
Gillum’s record spans over two decades, with convictions for drug charges and battery of a police officer. Sentencing is scheduled in Judge Black’s courtroom on March 17, 2026.
II. Slidell Felon Convicted Following Violent Armed Confrontation Over Vehicle Repossession
On February 25, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found Cordell Parker, 57, of Slidell, guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Attempted Illegal Use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities during a Crime of Violence by Discharge. The trial was presided over by Judge Scott Gardner and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Gary Tromblay and Jay Adair. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
On January 31, 2025, an agent for Spartan Recovery was repossessing a 2017 Mercedes-Benz on C L Parker Road in Slidell. After the vehicle was hooked to the wrecker, Parker approached the agent, angry, and asked him if he could retrieve personal belongings. While the agent complied, Parker emerged from his home with a semi-automatic handgun. He pointed the handgun at the agent and forced the agent to disconnect the car. He then placed the barrel of the pistol against the agent’s forehead, ordered him to his knees, and threatened to kill him. As the victim fled, Parker fired a gunshot.The U.S. Marshals Service later apprehended Parker on February 25, 2025.
During ADA Tromblay’s opening statement, he detailed the terrifying nature of the assault, saying, "[Parker] went from angry to murderous hostility. The victim was scared to death. He thought he was going to execute him in the street over a car. He never should have had a gun. There are reasons that people like Mr. Parker shouldn't have guns."
The victim, D.B., stated in an emotional testimony: "He put the gun to my forehead…he told me he was going to kill me. He told me to get down on my knees and put my hands behind my back. To this day, I still have nightmares, almost daily."
ADA Adair, in his closing argument, challenged the defendant’s credibility, stating, “D.B. has nothing to gain, and the Defendant has nothing to lose. One of them thumbed his nose at the oath, the court, and you all - you all get to decide which one did."
ADA Tromblay, in his closing rebuttal, referred to the defendant’s story as "a bald-faced lie," and added, "He will never forget what this defendant's face [looks like] - nor will he ever forget what this defendant did to him. Hold this defendant accountable."
Parker’s record spans four decades, including convictions for felony theft, burglary, drugs, and gun charges. Sentencing is set in Judge Gardner’s courtroom on March 18, 2026.
III. Convicted Cocaine Distributor Found Guilty of Armed Narcotics Possession
On February 25, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found Bobby Strickland Jr., 60, of Slidell, guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies and Illegal Carrying of Weapons while in Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. The trial was presided over by Judge Alan A. Zaunbrecher and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Amanda Gritten and Le’Anne Malner. The Slidell Police Department investigated the case.
Strickland was arrested on March 13, 2025, during a traffic stop on Carroll Road in Slidell. Upon identifying the driver as Strickland, officers learned of his extensive history involving narcotics and his release from parole for the distribution of drugs. After obtaining consent to search the vehicle, officers discovered a cache of illegal items, including Crack Cocaine, Marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a Colt .38 Special revolver in his vehicle.
ADA Gritten, in her closing argument, stated: "It is unacceptable behavior to ride around our parish with drugs and a gun after being released from incarceration for distributing cocaine. Find him guilty as charged."
Strickland is a habitual offender with a record spanning several decades, including convictions for multiple drug charges, for which he previously received a 25-year sentence. Sentencing is set in Judge Zaunbrecher’s courtroom on March 9, 2026.
