COVINGTON, La. — Three Mississippi men were among 22 people arrested in an ongoing child predator operation targeting individuals accused of attempting to meet minors for sexual purposes, authorities announced.
The arrests were made between January and May as part of an operation conducted by the Covington Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, the department’s Special Response Team, the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit Task Force and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.
Among those arrested were Joseph Amacker, 38, of Pass Christian; Adam Wichers, 41, of Diamondhead; and James Howard, 30, of Hattiesburg.
Howard faces multiple charges, including three counts each of indecent behavior with juveniles, child grooming, attempted production or possession of child sexual abuse material and computer-aided solicitation of a minor.
Wichers was charged with indecent behavior with juveniles, child grooming and computer-aided solicitation of a minor.
Amacker was charged with indecent behavior with juveniles and child grooming.
Authorities said the operation targeted individuals who allegedly used computers and social media platforms to solicit, groom or exploit minors. Those arrested ranged in age from 20 to 69 and came from communities across Louisiana and Mississippi. Investigators said one of the suspects was a registered sex offender at the time of arrest.
In addition to the Mississippi suspects, authorities arrested 19 Louisiana residents on charges that include computer-aided solicitation of a minor, child grooming, indecent behavior with juveniles and offenses involving child sexual abuse material.
Covington Police Chief Michael Ferrell said the arrests reflect the ongoing efforts of investigators and partner agencies to identify and apprehend individuals seeking to exploit children online.
“Protecting the children of our community is not just a priority for this department, it is a promise,” Ferrell said in a statement. “Anyone who thinks they can use the internet as a tool to prey on children in or around Covington will find out quickly that we are watching, and we will come for you.”
The operation remains ongoing.
