Denham Springs man among 8 arrested for crimes against children, AG’s office says

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Eight men were arrested as part of an undercover online operation aimed at cracking down on crimes against children, according to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office.

Authorities said the suspects are David Monroe of Denham Springs, Andrew Belk of Lafayette, Raul Xochihua of Lafayette, John Shepard of Lafayette, Dewayne Ordone of Larose, Hobie Matherne of Larose, Kenneth Harris of West Monroe, and Xavier Copeland of Hammond. According to Murrill’s office, they are all charged with indecent behavior with juveniles and computer-aided solicitation of a minor.

The undercover online operation took place on Wednesday, June 17, and Thursday, June 18. Officials said the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office provided specialized training to make sure all of the investigators involved conducted undercover online chats properly.

Murrill had stern words for the suspects and anyone else thinking about committing crimes against young people.

“We’re not stopping,” Murrill said. “If you hurt our kids, you will face Louisiana justice.”

Other law enforcement agencies that participated in the operation include Louisiana State Police, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Youngsville Police Department.

The Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office helped track down the suspects.

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