Shreveport Police warn of sharp rise in online sextortion targeting children
The Shreveport Police Department has joined forces with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to combat a sharp rise in online sextortion cases targeting local children. In these schemes, predators pose as peers online, build trust with juvenile victims, and then use private images or information to blackmail them. SPD investigators said the new partnership links law enforcement networks across state lines, allowing Shreveport detectives to coordinate with agencies nationwide when a predator and victim are in different states. Parents are urged to talk with their children about online safety and the risks of sharing personal information or images with anyone online. Tips can be submitted to Shreveport Police or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
Oakdale Police officer arrested on abuse of office and malfeasance charges
Oakdale – On August 19, detectives with the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division began investigating a criminal complaint involving an Oakdale Police Department officer. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 33-year-old Jalen Melbert of Oakdale.
During the investigation, detectives learned that Melbert attempted to use his position as a law enforcement officer to influence a victim to engage in sexual activity. Detectives also learned that, during a separate incident, Melbert coordinated with another individual to plant illegal narcotics at a residence, which led to the arrest of an unsuspecting individual.
As a result of the investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant through the 33rd Judicial District Court, charging Melbert with Abuse of Office and Malfeasance in Office.
On August 31, 2026, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Melbert was arrested and booked into the Allen Parish Jail on the above charges. This investigation remains active and ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.
10 Child predators arrested in ‘Operation Bottom Dweller’
Napoleonville, LA — From August 26–28, 2026, Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon and Attorney General Liz Murrill hosted a proactive undercover online operation, dubbed “Operation Bottom Dweller,” aimed at identifying, investigating, and apprehending individuals who use electronic communications or internet-based platforms to solicit, entice, or attempt to exploit individuals they believe to be juveniles for sexual purposes.
“This was never what the internet was intended for, and these violators have no mercy on who’s children they target. 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,” said Sheriff Leland Falcon.
Apartment fire claims the lives of a mother and child
IBERVILLE PARISH (September 1, 2026) – A 22-year-old Maringouin woman and her child died in an apartment fire Monday morning. The Maringouin Fire Department responded to an apartment fire in the 77000 block of Ridgewood Road in Maringouin around 6:30 a.m. August 31, 2026.
State Fire Marshal investigators determined the fire originated in the kitchen area on the first floor of the unit.
The apartment had a smoke alarm. However, investigators have been unable to determine whether it was working at the time of the fire. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.