Authorities in Ascension Parish accuse a deputy of unlawfully sexting with a 15-year-old. Parish deputies arrested the 24-year-old Gonzales, Louisiana, resident Tuesday. He had been with the sheriff’s office for roughly a year-and-a-half and was training to become a patrolman.
Officials say that a tip came in claiming that the young deputy had been engaging in improper text communications with a juvenile. Authorities claim that the man had exchanged what officials are characterizing as inappropriate messages with a 15-year-old. Law enforcement further claims that illicit pictures were also sent via electronic communications.
Law enforcement claims that the juvenile and the deputy met in person one at least one occasion in Baton Rouge.
Issues of so-called “sexting” and sharing of explicit images have garnered a great deal of attention in the news in recent years. Scandals among politicians and even debates over such ideas as celebrities “twerking” or posting explicit “selfies” on social media sites have captured the attention of the public in recent months.
However, laws on the books can create serious legal issues when allegations erupt involving these kinds of activities when a minor is involved. People in Baton Rouge may be aware that Internet sex crimes can involve allegations of online solicitation offenses, or child pornography charges in certain circumstances. But, allegations involving sexting through electronic communications can also lead to criminal charges.
In the Ascension County case, the 24-year-old is accused of indecent behavior with a juvenile and child porn allegations. He was fired from the sheriff’s office and booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on Tuesday.
Source: The Advocate, “Ascension deputy fired, booked on indecent behavior, child porn counts,” Sept. 12, 2013