Law enforcement officials may enforce the law, but they are not above the law. One official may be finding that out the hard way. A veteran FBI special agent has been arrested in Louisiana, according to a local Louisiana news source, and stands accused of a variety of sex crimes. These sex crimes span at least three states, including Texas.
The 51-year-old was arrested in Louisiana and accused of a variety of sex crimes, some against children. Currently, he is being held without bail since the Louisiana court declared him a “threat to the public” because he allegedly threatened victims into remaining silent. His most recent assignment placed him in the New Orleans FBI field office, heading up a regional division dedicated to investigating online crimes against children, including crimes such as child pornography.
Allegations against the veteran lawman and Army reserve colonel apparently go back several years, at least to 2016. However, those familiar with the investigation say that the ongoing investigation may potentially uncover other wrongdoing from his time in the United States military.
Details of the allegations against the agent are hard to come by because the warrants in Louisiana are sealed. News outlets report that in Ascension Parish, he stands accused of indecent behavior with children under 13 and crimes against nature. In Orleans Parish, he has an outstanding warrant for attempted third-degree rape. In East Baton Rouge, he is also wanted for aggravated crimes against nature, indecent behavior with juveniles, obscenity, and witness intimidation. He may potentially have victims in Florida as well. Many of the alleged victims are juveniles, but some are adults.
News reports out of Texas say the man has been accused of indecency with a child from the Tyler area. In Texas, indecency with a child happens when an individual has some form of sexual contact with a person under the age of 17. In this context, sexual contact can include any form of inappropriate touching or fondling of the child’s breast or genitals either over or under their clothing. Indecency with a child can also include causing or forcing the child to touch the individual’s breast or genitals over or under their clothing. Indecency can also cover exposing oneself to a child as well.
If found guilty of indecency with a child in the form of sexual contact, an individual can face two to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000 in Texas. If found guilty of indecency with a child in the form of exposing oneself, the penalty can be two to ten years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Individuals who are convicted of sex crimes against children in Texas may also have to register as sex offenders.
Sexual crimes against a child, especially in Texas, carry severe penalties and need to be taken seriously. If you have been accused of indecency with a child, or any other form of a sex crime, contact the defense team at Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian immediately. We will spring into action to protect your rights and begin the process of building a strategic defense tailored to your unique situation.
For more information on how we may be able to help you achieve the best possible result for your situation, call us today at (972) 369-0577 for a consultation.