ASSUMPTION PARISH, LaAccording to La. Attorney General Liz Murrill, Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon and her office hosted “Operation Bottom Dweller” from Aug. 26-28, where they identified, investigated, and apprehended individuals who use electronic communications or internet-based platforms to solicit, entice, or attempt to exploit individuals they believe to be juveniles for sexual purposes.
“This was never what the internet was intended for, and these violators have no mercy on whose children they target,” Sheriff Leland Falcon said. “Today, tomorrow, or in the future, it could be any of our children -i.e., yours, mine, our friends, or neighbors. We will continue to vigorously pursue these individuals and send them to prison where they can never again harm a child.”
The operation led to 10 arrests, which officials say include a minister, a Honduran man who had previously been removed from the United States, and a fugitive.
The La. Attorney General’s Office announced 10 people were arrested as part of a recent proactive undercover operation – the 10 suspects arrested are charged with indecent behavior and computer-aided solicitation of a minor.
Arrests
- Brian Gilton, 38, of Napoleonville
- Joey Gravois, 52, of Vacherie
- Jack Stutsman, 22, of Haughton
- Delmer Wesley Messer, 24, of Manchester, Ky.
- Shelton Smith, 24, of Scott
- John Bang, 60, of Vancleave, Miss.
- Lesli Joel Calix Sarmiento, 36, of Slidell
- Malcome Barnes III, 35, of New Iberia
- Dustin H Caldwell, 47, of Cocoa, Fla.
- Chaz Michael Fromnethal, 32, of Metairie
