NAPOLEONVILLE, La. — Ten people, including a New Iberia minister already facing previous juvenile sex-related charges, have been arrested following a multi-agency undercover operation targeting individuals accused of attempting to sexually exploit minors online.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Bottom Dweller,” was conducted August 26-28 in Assumption Parish and was led by Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.
Authorities said the operation focused on identifying and apprehending individuals allegedly using electronic communications and internet-based platforms to solicit, entice or attempt to exploit people they believed were juveniles for sexual purposes.
Among those arrested was 35-year-old Malcolm Barnes III of New Iberia, who authorities identified as a minister.
Barnes was charged with Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile and Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor.
According to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Barnes was already free on a $150,000 bond through the 16th Judicial District Court in St. Mary Parish on previous charges of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile and Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor.
Another suspect, Lesli Joel Calix Sarmiento of Slidell, was identified by authorities as a Honduran national who had previously been removed from the United States. Investigators allege Sarmiento traveled to Assumption Parish intending to have sexual contact with someone he believed was younger than 16. Homeland Security Investigations also placed a detainer on him.
Chaz Michael Fromnethal of Metairie was arrested on the same juvenile-related charges and was also booked in Jefferson Parish on an additional charge of illegal possession of a stolen firearm.
The remaining suspects identified by authorities are:
Brian Gilton, 38, of Napoleonville
Joey Gravois, 52, of Vacherie
Jack Stutsman, 22, of Haughton
Delmer Wesley Messer, 24, of Manchester, Kentucky
Shelton Smith, 24, of Scott
John Bang of Vancleave, Mississippi
Dustin H. Caldwell, 47, of Cocoa, Florida
Authorities said the suspects face charges that include Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile and Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor.
Sheriff Falcon said the operation was designed to aggressively target people accused of using the internet to prey on children.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill credited cooperation among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies for the arrests.
According to Murrill’s office, the Louisiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has expanded from eight participating law enforcement agencies to 80, including all 64 parish sheriff’s offices and multiple local, state and federal partners.
The Attorney General’s Office said the task force has made more than 1,300 arrests and rescued nearly 200 children from ongoing abuse since Murrill took office.
Agencies participating in the operation included the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Berwick Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, Morgan City Police Department, St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office and St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Several additional agencies assisted in locating and apprehending suspects, including sheriff’s offices in Iberia, Acadia, Bossier and Jefferson parishes, as well as agencies in Mississippi, Kentucky and Florida.
The investigation remains ongoing.
All charges are allegations, and those arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
