LINCOLN PARISH, LA – Louisiana authorities announced the results of one of the largest child predator stings in state history, with 67 registered sex offenders arrested and accused of committing additional crimes against children.
Operation Access Denied ran from November 1 through December 1 and was led by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill in coordination with the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, West Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office, West Monroe Police Department, and the Louisiana Department of Corrections.
The month-long operation targeted offenders already on the sex offender registry who allegedly violated the terms of their registration or committed new crimes. The suspects face a range of serious charges including first-degree rape, computer-aided solicitation of a juvenile, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and possession of child sexual abuse material.
One suspect was even charged with sexual abuse of an animal in addition to crimes against children.
Attorney General Murrill announced the results at a December 18 press conference, emphasizing her office’s commitment to protecting Louisiana’s most vulnerable residents.
“We will leave no stone unturned in doing everything we possibly can to protect the children of Louisiana,” Murrill said.
The attorney general indicated that similar operations are being planned for other regions of the state in the near future. Law enforcement officials praised the multi-agency cooperation that made the sting possible.
The 67 arrests represent just the first wave of a broader effort to crack down on predators who continue offending despite previous convictions and registration requirements designed to monitor their activities.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
