Police said the arrests included suspects ranging in age from 22 to 55 years old. Authorities said some traveled from other cities and states, including Texas, Ohio
A monthlong undercover operation targeting suspected online child predators led to 12 arrests and 35 criminal charges across Louisiana and beyond, according to the Kenner Police Department.
The multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) operation focused on identifying people accused of using the internet to solicit minors for sex.
Authorities said the investigation took place throughout May and involved local, state and federal law enforcement agencies working alongside the Louisiana ICAC Task Force, which is led by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.
The arrests included suspects ranging in age from 22 to 55 years old. Authorities said some traveled from other cities and states, including Texas, Ohio and Michigan.
“These investigations are proactive, intelligence-driven, and specifically designed to identify those seeking to exploit minors before they can harm an actual child,” Kenner Police Chief Keith A. Conley said in a statement.
Those charged in connection with the investigation include:
- Carlos Gabriel Carranza, 44, of Kenner
- Dominic J. Thompson, 39, of Houston, Texas
- Cody L. Ritchey Sr., 42, of Houma
- John Christopher King, 43, of Canton, Ohio
- David J. Berniard Jr., 44, of Prairieville
- Steve Brown, 28, of New Orleans
- Michael Read Kamm, 55, of Michigan
- Connor James Westbrook, 22, of Belle Chasse
- Tristan Phillip Ory, 22, of Prairieville
- Ryan Montero, 42, of Metairie
- Dontrell Anthony Watts, 34, of Donaldsonville
- Dylan Paul Huguet, 31, of Washington, Louisiana
The charges include computer-aided solicitation of a minor, indecent behavior with a juvenile and grooming-related offenses, police said. One suspect was also charged with possession of Schedule II narcotics during the investigation.
The operation involved the Kenner Police Department, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and multiple sheriff’s offices across south Louisiana. Investigators received specialized training from the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office ICAC Unit before the operation began.
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