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All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty

HAMMOND, La. (WGNO) — The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) arrested a man wanted in connection to the death of a 30-year-old woman.

According to TPSO officials, deputies received a missing person report regarding 30-year-old Pauline Deese, of Hammond, who had gone missing at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 10.

Officials said 48-year-old Ernest “Fletcher” Felder, of Hammond, gave Deese drugs containing Fentanyl.

Felder allegedly sexually assaulted Deese after she took the drugs and at some point during the assault, Deese overdosed and became unresponsive.

She was later dropped off at a hospital where she died.

Felder was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree rape, possession of a controlled substance II, possession of a controlled substance I, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer.

His sentencing date has not been set at this time.

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