Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office announced on April 20 that agents from the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested a New Orleans man, Justin Michael Smith, on multiple charges related to communicating with a 14-year-old girl and soliciting child sexual abuse material.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by state authorities to address crimes involving minors and digital exploitation. The Louisiana Department of Justice provides services statewide and focuses on protecting constitutional rights and providing legal resources for Louisiana citizens, according to the official website.
According to the press release, agents received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding suspected child sexual abuse material. A search warrant was executed at Smith’s residence on St. Anthony Avenue in New Orleans. During a post-Miranda interview, Smith admitted he actively searched for and viewed such material, communicated with a 14-year-old girl, requested her to produce content, and offered payment for it.
Smith was arrested on April 17 and faces eight counts of possession of child sexual abuse material under the age of thirteen, one count each of production of such material, indecent behavior with juveniles, and computer-aided solicitation of a minor. Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation including local police departments as well as Homeland Security Investigations and Louisiana State Police Special Victim’s Unit. Smith was booked into Orleans Parish Prison; his bond is currently unknown.
Liz Murrill leads the Louisiana Department of Justice as attorney general according to the official website. The department serves as the primary legal office for the state under an independently elected attorney general who has challenged federal overreach in more than 35 cases according to its official site.
The investigation into this case continues. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
