Benjamin Joseph Bertrand, an 18-year-old resident of Franklin, Louisiana, was arrested on June 25, 2026, at 12:24 PM on a warrant for distribution of child sexual abuse material. St. Mary Parish Sheriff Gary Driskell reported that deputies executed a search warrant that led to Bertrand’s arrest on cybercrime charges.
The investigation began on June 5, 2026, when a detective with the St. Mary Parish Criminal Investigations Division received a tip regarding an individual sharing child sexual abuse material online. Detectives were able to identify the suspect’s IP address and physical location, leading to the procurement of a search warrant.
On June 25, the search warrant was executed at a residence on Circle Drive in Franklin, where deputies made contact with Bertrand. Evidence gathered during the search confirmed his involvement in the distribution of the material. Following this, an arrest warrant was issued, and Bertrand was taken to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. His bail has been set at $75,000.
The investigation is ongoing.
