Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet announced the arrest of a New Orleans man following an investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit (SVU).
In February 2026, SVU detectives launched an investigation after receiving allegations that a juvenile had engaged in inappropriate communications with an adult male believed to be 28 years old. Detectives met with the victim and a family member, who confirmed details of the communications and provided documentation to authorities.
Through further investigation, detectives identified the suspect as 28-year-old Joseph Oliver Ellis of New Orleans. Authorities reported uncovering a significant amount of digital evidence allegedly linking Ellis to the reported offenses.
Based on the evidence collected, detectives obtained arrest warrants for charges of:
Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile
Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor
The warrant information was forwarded to the United States Marshals Service Task Force, which began efforts to locate Ellis.
During the early morning hours of February 13, Ellis was taken into custody in New Orleans by members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force. He was later transferred to Terrebonne Parish on February 19 to face the charges.
Ellis was booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex. Authorities confirmed he later bonded out on a $150,000 bond set by local judges.
Sheriff Soignet stated the investigation remains ongoing and emphasized the challenges such cases present for victims and their families.
“These types of cases are extremely difficult for the victim, family, and all involved,” said Soignet. “Our SVU detectives do an unbelievable job handling very complex and tragic circumstances while supporting the victims in our community. Today our parish is safer because of the work they do.”
All persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
