Online predators identified in multi-agency operation

Posted: Oct 4, 2011 5:43 PM by Tonya LaCoste

An undercover internet crimes operation, involving 9 law enforcement agencies and the attorney general's office, has identified 20 online predators. The operation was conducted in St. Martin Parish. "The objective of this operation was to identify those individuals using the internet to target or prey on minors for the purpose of sexual exploitation and to identify those possessing and/or distributing child pornography," Major Ginny Higgins said.

At the end of the operation, investigators served three search warrants in various participating jurisdictions. Authorities are not yet releasing the names of those identified, because the investigation is ongoing.

The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force undercover operation involved investigators from the St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office, the Louisiana Attorney General's Office High Tech Crime Unit, Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office, Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, Lafayette Police Department, Louisiana State Police, St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office, Eunice Police Department, Cullin Police Department and Immigration Customs Enforcement were involved in this joint endeavor.