CHAUVIN, La. — A Chauvin man already facing multiple felony charges related to child sexual abuse material has been re-arrested on additional charges following an ongoing investigation by the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.
According to Attorney General Liz Murrill, special agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation rebooked 43-year-old Joel Lyons Jr. on June 16 after uncovering additional evidence involving the possession, production, and distribution of AI-generated child sexual abuse material.
The investigation began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received multiple cyber tips alleging Lyons distributed child sexual abuse material through social media platforms. Agents arrested Lyons on April 28, 2026, in Galliano and booked him into custody.
As investigators continued examining evidence, they reportedly discovered material indicating Lyons was producing and distributing unlawful AI-generated images depicting child sexual abuse. A second arrest warrant was subsequently obtained.
Lyons now faces additional charges including:
- 17 counts of Unlawful Deepfakes (Production)
- 5 counts of Unlawful Deepfakes (Distribution)
- 5 counts of Child Sexual Abuse Material involving children under the age of 13
These charges are in addition to those filed following his April arrest, which include:
- 20 counts of Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material involving children under 13
- 14 counts of Sexual Abuse of an Animal
Authorities say Lyons remains incarcerated at the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex, where his bond is currently set at $75,000.
The case was investigated by the Orleans Metro Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, with assistance from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing.
