Local News
Former Employee Alleges Wage Theft and Sudden Closure at Holistic Behavioral Health Services in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, LA – Samantha Wheat, a former employee of Holistic Behavioral Health Services of Louisiana LLC, also known as Holistic Haven, has reached out to Channel 2 NOW News with allegations of wage theft and unethical business practices by the facility’s management.
According to Wheat, the residential pediatric psychiatric facility, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was under state investigation for non-compliance in early 2024.
The situation reportedly escalated when, on March 13, 2024, the facility abruptly closed its doors without prior notice, leaving over 20 employees unpaid for their work.
Allegations Against Management
Wheat alleges that the CEO, Tommie Dyer, and his wife, Felicia Nixon Dyer, who also run outpatient behavioral health services in Baton Rouge, ceased communication with employees following the facility’s closure.
Despite repeated attempts by former staff to recover their unpaid wages, Wheat claims the Dyers have ignored multiple certified demand letters and have shown no intention of resolving the matter.
“I am personally owed nearly $5,000, and I know many nurses, technicians, and other staff members are in similar situations,” Wheat stated. “The financial strain from not being paid almost cost me my house, my car, and my overall well-being.”
Employees Struggle with Limited Options
Wheat reported that she, along with other former employees, contacted the New Orleans Labor Board for assistance but received no meaningful help.
Many affected individuals are reportedly unable to afford legal representation to pursue claims against the Dyers.
“This isn’t the first time these business owners have been accused of not paying their employees,” Wheat said, alleging a pattern of similar behavior by the couple.
Ongoing Operations Despite Allegations
Despite the controversy surrounding the closure of Holistic Haven, the Dyers allegedly continue to operate their outpatient business in Baton Rouge.
Wheat and other former employees are now urging the public to hold the Dyers accountable for their actions.
A Plea for Justice
“I hope this message reaches Tommie and Felicia Dyer, as well as news outlets, to shine a light on their actions. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the devastation they’ve caused to people’s lives,” Wheat emphasized.
Wheat encourages others to share her story and bring attention to the issue, expressing hope that increased public awareness will lead to justice for the unpaid employees.
For further information or to provide tips, Channel 2 NOW News urges anyone with details related to this case to reach out to their newsroom.
Local News
Three Killed in Highway 61 Crash Near Walls, Mississippi; Victims Identified as Latasha Dodson, Eddie Dodson, and Tamenshia Ford
WALLS, Mississippi — Three people were killed in a serious collision Wednesday evening near U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls, leaving multiple families grieving and a community mourning the sudden loss of their loved ones.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 8:04 p.m. and involved a 2021 Honda Accord and another vehicle driven by 27-year-old Da’Quarius M. Burton of Memphis, Tennessee.
Authorities identified the three people who died inside the Honda Accord as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake
- Eddie L. Dodson, 41, of Byhalia
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash also left two people injured. Da’Quarius M. Burton, who was driving the other vehicle, survived the collision, as did a fourth occupant of the Honda Accord whose identity has not yet been released.
Both survivors were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Officials have not provided an update on their conditions.
The circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
The tragedy has also deeply affected local law enforcement and public service communities. The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one of its juvenile detention officers was among those who died in the crash. Another employee was seriously injured.
In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office remembered its fallen employee as a respected and beloved member of the team who demonstrated kindness, compassion, and dedication to the young people entrusted to their care.
The department also recognized the lasting difference the employee made through their work and the positive influence they had on others.
Officials have not publicly identified which of the three victims worked for the Sheriff’s Office.
The Walls Police Department also confirmed that one of its patrol officers was involved in the collision. However, the department has not clarified the officer’s condition or released additional information about the circumstances surrounding their involvement.
The crash has therefore brought grief and concern to several public safety agencies, including the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and the Walls Police Department.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash near Highway 61 and Church Road. Authorities have not released a determination about what caused the vehicles to collide.
Further information may become available as investigators review the circumstances of the incident and complete their work.
The deaths of Latasha N. Dodson, Eddie L. Dodson, and Tamenshia R. Ford represent an enormous loss for their families, friends, and everyone who knew them.
Three individuals from different communities have now been lost in a single devastating incident. Their loved ones are left to face the difficult days ahead while holding on to the memories they shared.
The loss has also been felt by colleagues and members of the local public safety community, particularly those mourning the juvenile detention officer remembered for compassion and dedication to young people.
During this painful time, thoughts are with the families of all three victims, the injured survivors, and the employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and Walls Police Department.
May Latasha N. Dodson, Eddie L. Dodson, and Tamenshia R. Ford rest in peace.