Ten arrested in operation targeting computer solicitation of young people

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon and Attorney General Liz Murrill worked together on a proactive undercover online operation, dubbed “Operation Bottom Dweller.” The targets are who use electronic communications or internet-based platforms to lure people individuals they believe to be juveniles for sexual purposes.

Ten people were arrested.

“This was never what the internet was intended for, and these violators have no mercy on who’s children they target,” Falcon said in a press release. “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.”

Among those arrested were:

--Lesli Joel Calix Sarmiento, 36, Slidell, indecent behavior and computer-solicitation of a minor. Sarmiento was held on a detainer for Homeland Security Investigations. Bond was set at $450,000.

--Brian Gilton, 38, Napoleonville, indecent behavior and computer-aided solicitation of a minor.
Bond was set at $110,000.

--Joey Gravois, 52, Vacherie, indecent behavior and computer-aided solicitation of a minor. Bond was set at $850,000.

--Jack Stutsman, 22, Haughton, indecent behavior and computer-aided solicitation of a minor. Bond was set at $750,000.

--Delmer Wesley Messer, 24, Manchester, Kentucky, indecent behavior and computer-aided solicitation of a minor. Bond is pending.

--Shelton Smith, 24, Scott, indecent behavior and computer-solicitation of a minor. Bond was set at $750,000.

--John Bang, 60, Vancleave, Mississippi, indecent behavior and computer-solicitation of a minor. Bond is pending.

--Malcome Barnes III, 35, New Iberia, indecent behavior and computer-solicitation of a minor. Bond was set at $1.25 million.

--Dustin H Caldwell, 47, Cocoa, Florida, indecent behavior and computer-solicitation of a minor. Bond is pending.

--Michael Fromnethal, 32, Metairie, indecent behavior, illegal possession of stolen firearms and computer-solicitation of a minor. Bond is pending.

Working on the investigation were the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation; the Berwick and Morgan City police departments; the sheriff’s offices in St. Mary, Livingston, and St. James; and Homeland Security Investigations.

Morgan City

Chief Chad Adams reported these arrests:

--Dakota Lombas, 30, Egle Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:40 a.m. Tuesday on a probation violation (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Guillermo Pineda, 46, Federal Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:51 a.m. Tuesday on two counts of failure to appear to pay fines (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Jamie Adams, 36, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:17 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of contempt of court (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Victor Eugenio-Ibanez, 39, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested 5:32 p.m. Tuesday on two counts of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Kayln Burns, 36, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple battery.

--Eddie Sanchez, 35, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:56 p.m. Monday on charges of failure to seek assistance and attempted theft.

--Spencer Robin, 50, First Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:01 p.m. Monday on two counts of failure to appear for arraignment.

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported this arrest:

--Lloyjasia Humphrey, 30, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:55 p.m. Monday on charges of improper display of license plate and operating a vehicle while license is suspended. Humphrey was released to appear in Mayor's Court.

St. Mary

Sheriff Gary Driskell reported these arrests:

--Joseph Michael Andrews, 46, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 8:27 p.m. Monday on charges of disturbing the peace (intoxicated), second-degree battery, home invasion and threatening a public official.

Bail has not been set at this time.

--Javise Hakeem Bellair Jack, 28, Franklin, was arrested at 3:03 p.m. Monday on a charge of introduction of contraband into a penal institution. Jack continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

--Fred Purnell Kenner, 39, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:03 p.m. Monday on a charge of introduction of contraband into a penal institution. Kenner continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

--Jermaine Paris, 24, Jeanerette, was arrested at 5:20 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear for possession of marijuana. Bail was set at $500.

--Brooke Brouillette, 45, Jeanerette, was arrested at 9:11 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of possession of cocaine. Bail was set at $5,000.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported these arrests:

--Patrick Lumpkin, 44, Andrus Drive, Crowley, was arrested at 1:25 a.m. Saturday on a warrant for 3rd Ward City Court alleging failure to appear on charges of driving under suspension and speeding, and on a warrant for the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office alleging theft. Lumpkin was booked, processed and held on a $1,648 bond.

--Ananenia Dauphine, 32, of Canal Drive, Franklin, was arrested at 8:41 p.m. Saturday on a warrant for 3rd Ward City Court alleging failure to appear on charges of careless operation and driving under suspension. Dauphine was booked, processed and released on a $313 bond.