LIVINGSTON PARISH — A Ponchatoula man was arrested as part of a proactive investigation by the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force into the exploitation of children for the purpose of human trafficking, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Jason Ard said detectives with the LPSO ICAC Task Force, with assistance from the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, conducted the investigation.
Loyd Woodruff, 53, of Ponchatoula, was arrested on charges of attempted human trafficking of a minor, under statutes 14:27 and 14:46.2, the Sheriff’s Office said.
“This investigation yielded this individual seeking to sexually exploit underage children in Livingston Parish,” Ard said.
According to LPSO, the investigation remains ongoing.
In the release, the Sheriff’s Office also encouraged parents to be aware of warning signs that a child may be involved with an online predator. Those signs can include becoming distant, reduced communication with family, spending increased time online, being secretive about internet activity, switching screens when a parent enters the room, and using sexual language not previously used.
Sheriff Ard said residents can request a free presentation from a member of the LPSO ICAC Task Force for community or group education. Presentations can be scheduled by calling 225-435-1365.
Additional information about inmates can be found through the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office mobile app using the “Who’s in Jail?” feature.
