Twelve men were arrested during a monthslong undercover operation targeting people who allegedly sought sexual encounters with children online, the Kenner Police Department announced Thursday.
Arrested were Carlos Carranza, Cody Ritchey Sr., Connor Westbrook, David Berniard Jr., Dominic Thompson, Dontrell Watts, Michael Kamm, Dylan Huguet, Ryan Montero, Steve Brown, Tristan Ory and John King.
Suspects traveled from Louisiana, Texas, Ohio and Michigan believing they were meeting up with children they had solicited via social media, dating apps and gaming platforms, KPD said.
The suspects were booked on charges that include computer-aided solicitation of a minor, indecent behavior with a juvenile and indecent behavior involving grooming.
“This operation demonstrates the unwavering commitment law enforcement agencies across Louisiana and beyond share in protecting children from online predators,” said Chief Keith A. Conley.
KPD was the lead agency in a sting centered at the Internet Crimes Against Children Lab housed in their headquarters. More than a dozen local, state and federal partners assisted in the operation.
The ICAC Lab was established by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill as an outgrowth of the ICAC Task Force. The ICAC program was launched nationally in 1998, and Louisiana established its ICAC Task Force within the Attorney General’s Office in 2001.
Reports of internet crimes against children in Louisiana have surged in recent years, rising from 171 reports in 2010 to more than 16,000 in 2024.
