MANDEVILLE — Covington Police Chief Michael Ferrell recently announced the arrests of five individuals charged with crimes related to the sexual exploitation of children.
These arrests were the result of a coordinated effort by the Northshore Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which proactively targeted individuals using online platforms to solicit minors for sexual activity as summer school vacations began.
Michael Dore, 57, of Hammond, was charged with computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with juveniles. Dore was arrested in Hammond by Hammond Police Department and booked into Hammond City Jail to await extradition to St. Tammany Parish.
Jason Stevens, 39, of Independence, was charged with computer-aided solicitation of a minor, indecent behavior with juveniles and unlawful use of a social networking website by a sex offender. Stevens was arrested in Tangipahoa Parish by Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and booked into Tangipahoa Parish Jail to await extradition to St. Tammany Parish.
The following individuals were arrested in Mandeville by Mandeville Police Department and booked into St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center:
Matthew Miller, 40, of Covington, charged with computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with juveniles.
Kyle Baltrukevich, 34, of Pearl River, charged with computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with juveniles.
Stephen Shirley, 43, of Mandeville, charged with pornography involving juveniles and nonconsensual disclosure of private information.
“These arrests represent our unwavering commitment to protecting our children,” said Ferrell. “We will continue to work tirelessly with our local, state and federal partners to hold those who prey on the vulnerable accountable. This type of crime is horrific, and we will not tolerate it in our community. I am proud of the cooperative effort from all agencies involved. It shows what can be accomplished when we all work together.”
These investigations were part of a Northshore Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force operation, which was hosted by the Mandeville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, supported by the Covington Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and Special Response Team, and assisted by several federal, state and local agencies. Additional charges and arrests are expected from these ongoing investigations.
