5 arrested by internet crimes task force

Detectives with Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force – with the help of the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations/Attorney General’s Office, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and Crawford County Sheriff’s Office ICAC Task Force (Wisconsin) – initiated...

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Detectives with Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force – with the help of the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations/Attorney General’s Office, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and Crawford County Sheriff’s Office ICAC Task Force (Wisconsin) – initiated investigations into five individuals on various social media platforms, LPSO reported. Emmanuel Rivas, 26, of Denham Springs; Lee Lepke, 31, of Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin; Jason Shaw, 41, of Walker; and Paul Briley Venable, 37, of Lafayette were all charged with one count each of indecent behavior with juveniles and computer-aided solicitation of a minor. Brandon Buhler, 27, of Hammond, was charged with one count indecent behavior with juveniles.

The LPSO Narcotics Division conducted a follow-up investigation stemming from Shaw’s arrest. It resulted in additional charges for Shaw, which include five counts possession with intent Schedule I controlled dangerous substance and one count each CDS in the presence of a firearm, violation CDS near school, and CDS in the presence of a minor. LPSO also reported that Rivas currently has an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement hold.



“The LPSO ICAC Task Force is constantly utilizing innovative ways to combat the online dangers awaiting the children of this parish and the State of Louisiana,” Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard said. “Detectives are identifying individuals preying on naive and innocent juvenile users of social media platforms and gaming servers online.” These investigations are ongoing.

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