Kenner Police announced on November 10 that they have detained ten individuals in a significant undercover operation targeting Internet Crimes Against Children. The investigation, which commenced on October 23, focused on adults who utilized social media platforms and online applications to solicit minors for sexual purposes. Officials noted that this marks the fourth such operation conducted by the department this year.
During the latest phase of the investigation, detectives made ten arrests. Six of the suspects were captured after engaging in explicit sexual conversations with undercover officers who posed as underage girls. When these individuals arrived at the prearranged meeting locations, they were apprehended by Kenner Police. The remaining four suspects were taken into custody based on existing warrants.
One of the arrests drew particular attention due to the circumstances surrounding it. Jasmine M. Gatlin, a 40-year-old resident of New Orleans, had arranged to meet an individual he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. Although undercover detectives specifically instructed Gatlin not to bring his two-year-old child to the meeting, he arrived with the toddler in tow.
Following his arrest, the two-year-old was released into the care of Gatlin’s grandmother. In addition to charges of indecent behavior with a juvenile and computer-aided solicitation of a minor, Gatlin was charged with improper supervision of a minor by a parent or legal custodian.
The other five suspects arrested during the meet-up phase include Douglas Glen Brown, 40, of New Orleans; Terrance Williams, 45, of Des Allemands; Dwayne Crisp, 43, of New Orleans; Troy Verrett Jr., 35, of Marrero; and Malcolm Richards, 39, of New Orleans. The four additional warrant arrests were Kendrick M. Isom, 52, of Vacherie; Juan D. Gomez, 41, of Kenner; Tracey Rourke, 56, of Gretna; and Paul Cordes III, 30, of New Orleans.
All ten arrested individuals face charges of indecent behavior with a juvenile and computer-aided solicitation of a minor. Kenner Police officials stated that six other suspects remain at large. These individuals have outstanding warrants for the same offenses. The suspects currently sought by authorities are Thadis Misso II, 34, of Union, Mississippi; Dwayne Lewis, 43, of Bridge City, Louisiana; Leonardo Hernandez, 27, of Weslaco, Texas; Lloyd Allen, 32, of Prairieville, Louisiana; Baylee “Sabrina” Dawn Hogan, 27, of Houston, Texas; and Russell Kyle Rouse, 37, of Brunswick, Georgia.
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley expressed his reaction to the case involving the toddler. He stated, “Every time we conduct one of these operations, we think we have seen it all. Bringing your own two-year-old child to a meeting you believe is for sexual activity with a 15-year-old is beyond disturbing.”
Chief Conley emphasized the need for parental involvement in monitoring digital activities. “Parents, we are trying our best to take these predators down but we need your help. Please monitor your children on devices, they will thank you one day,” he said.
