HAMMOND, La. – A 70-year-old Ponchatoula man has been arrested after authorities say he spread false information online about an inmate escape at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail.
According to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, Arden Wells posted on social media on June 24, claiming an inmate had escaped custody. Officials say the post sparked unnecessary public concern, especially since the jail had experienced an actual escape just one month prior.
Following an investigation, deputies issued an arrest warrant, and Wells was taken into custody on July 25. He was charged with one count of terrorizing, a serious offense under Louisiana law that applies to those who intentionally cause fear or panic through false threats or misleading information.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker emphasized that the department “will not tolerate” efforts to instill fear in the community by spreading misinformation.
Wells was initially booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail but was later transferred to another facility for security reasons, authorities said.
