A two-day law enforcement operation in Washington Parish led to the arrest of three men for crimes against children, according to a March 13 announcement by local and state authorities.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts to protect children from exploitation. The initiative was conducted on March 10 and 11 by the 22nd Judicial District Court Special Victims Unit Task Force, with participation from the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, Covington Police Department, Franklinton Police Department, and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
Patrick Jay Dehnel of Kentwood was charged with indecent behavior with juveniles (grooming), computer-aided solicitation of a minor, and unlawful use of a social networking website. Authorities said Dehnel is a registered sex offender. Jakoby Kendis Pettway of New Orleans faces charges including indecent behavior with juveniles, computer-aided solicitation of a minor, and attempted possession or production of child sexual abuse material. Joseph Hezekiah Amacker of Pass Christian, Mississippi was charged with indecent behavior with juveniles (child grooming). Dehnel was booked into the Washington Parish Jail.
Attorney General Liz Murrill said, “Our Louisiana Bureau of Investigation will continue to expand its efforts and work with our partners on the Louisiana ICAC Task Force to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who seek to harm the children of this State.” District Attorney Collin Sims added, “The safety of our children is our highest priority, and we are committed to identifying and removing predators from our community. These arrests are a direct result of the seamless collaboration between local, state, and federal partners. By working together through the SVU Task Force, we are able to intervene and protect potential victims from exploitation. We will continue to be aggressive in our pursuit of those who target the innocent.”
The Louisiana Department of Justice works statewide as the primary legal office for Louisiana under an independently elected attorney general according to its official website. The department focuses on protecting constitutional rights and providing legal resources for citizens according to its official website, while also preserving state culture through legal efforts according to its official website. Liz Murrill leads the department as attorney general according to its official website and has challenged federal overreach in more than 35 cases according to its official website.
Authorities say this investigation remains ongoing. All individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty.