BATON
ROUGE, LA – Since the COVID-19 public health emergency was declared, the
Louisiana Bureau of Investigation's Cyber Crimes Unit has seen a 200% increase
in online sexual predator cases. Despite this surge and a need for more
resources to help with these investigations – the CCU has gone above and beyond
to bring child predators to justice. Today, Attorney General Jeff Landry
announced three of their recent arrests.
"Policies
have consequences, and one consequence of the Governor's shutdowns and mandates
is an increase of online activity – including internet crimes against children.
Maintaining the status quo when it comes to protecting our children during
these perilous times is dangerous and jeopardizes the safety of our
communities," said AG Landry. "While understaffed and overworked, my
team and our law enforcement partners continue working tirelessly to find and
apprehend criminals who produce, possess, or distribute sexual abuse images and
videos of children."
Jesse
Barker, 32 of Arabi, was arrested on two counts of Pornography Involving
Juveniles Under the Age of Thirteen (distribution). This arrest was a result of
a joint investigation with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and St.
Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office. Barker was booked into the St. Bernard Parish
Jail.
Joseph
Payne, 29 of Marrero, was arrested on two counts of Pornography Involving
Juveniles Under the Age of Thirteen (possession). This arrest was a result of a
joint investigation with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and Jefferson
Parish Sheriff’s Office. Payne booked into Jefferson Parish Correctional
Center.
Sean
Ramey, 57, was arrested in Tallulah on three
counts of Pornography Involving Juveniles Under the Age of Thirteen
(possession). This arrest was a result of a joint investigation with the
Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Probation & Parole,
Madison Parish Sheriff's Office, and Tallulah Police Department. Ramey was
booked into the Madison Parish Jail.