Aggrostats

Friday, February 21, 2014

TFC Melissa Matey, Louisiana State Police, Public Affairs Section – Troop B
Office: (504) 471-2780, Melissa.matey@la.gov

New Orleans – Following a multi-agency law enforcement operation targeting sex crimes throughout the NBA All-Star weekend, officials are pleased to announce the apprehension of approximately 30 suspects on various sex crime charges and the successful rescue of a juvenile sex trafficking victim. Law enforcement representatives from the FBI’s Violent Crimes against Children Unit, (VCACU), the New Orleans FBI Field Office, the Houston FBI Field Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office worked in coordination with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children throughout the NBA All-Star event.

As a result of the operation, investigators rescued one juvenile sex victim, placed 22 adult females, and 4 suspected male pimps in custody on various prostitution related charges. Through investigative efforts, the adult females were found to have traveled to New Orleans from across the country including California, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas for the sole purpose of engaging in sex related crimes during the NBA All-Star weekend. One of the females was previously identified in the Innocence Lost Database as having been exploited since she was 14-years-old.

In addition, specialized investigators from the multi-agency task force focused their efforts on online websites advertising sexual acts and specifically the online solicitation of minors for sexual purposes. Subsequently, law enforcement officials acting in an undercover role successfully made contact and arranged meetings with 4 male suspects attempting to solicit sexual encounters with juveniles. The 4 suspects were placed under arrest and charged with Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor.

“While the FBI and its partners never rest in pursuit of those engaged in sex trafficking and online sexual exploitation, we will continue to further heighten our efforts during the many special events held in New Orleans that, unfortunately, trigger spikes in this type of criminal activity,” said Michael Anderson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI New Orleans.

“Louisiana State Police remains committed to protecting our citizens and visitors from those individuals choosing to promote, solicit, and engage in sex crimes especially involving juvenile victims,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, Louisiana State Police Superintendent. “Troopers will continue to work with our citizens and law enforcement partners for as long as necessary to rescue sex trafficking victims and bring these criminals to justice.”