Louisiana youth minister arrested for allegedly soliciting minors

Being accused of a sex crime is a frightening and stressful experience. Not only could you be facing harsh penalties if convicted, but also even if you have not been convicted, the accusation alone could tarnish your reputation. This can be particularly difficult for people who have spent time serving their communities, as one Louisiana youth minister is likely finding out.

The Morgan City youth minister, who works at First Baptist Church, was arrested Wednesday morning. Local police say he used a computer at the church to solicit minors. The 33-year-old man has been charged with three counts of indecent behavior with juveniles along with a single count of computer-aided solicitation for sexual purposes.

The investigation apparently began in Kenner. When the Kenner Police Department traced an IP address to a computer at the church in Morgan City, detectives contacted Morgan City police. A search warrant for the man’s computer was executed by multiple law enforcement agencies including Louisiana State Police and the Office of Homeland Security. He was taken to Morgan City Jail but will be moved to Kenner.

As this man’s situation illustrates, Louisiana and federal authorities take sex-related crimes very seriously. The details surrounding the case are not clear at this time, but it is certain that this man’s reputation within the church community has been severely hurt. Furthermore, if he is convicted, he could be facing several years or even a lifetime of having to register as a sex offender.

If you have been convicted of a sex crime, it can feel like there is no way out. However, experienced defense attorneys understand the many components that make up a sex crimes case. Sometimes evidence does not hold up. Strong defenses can be built to challenge the charges.

Source: KATC, “Morgan City youth minister accused of sex crimes,” Tonya LaCoste, Jan. 11, 2012