The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office (LPSO) announced the arrest of three individuals during March 2025 as part of ongoing investigations by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
According to Sheriff Jason Ard, the LPSO ICAC team, working in partnership with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), launched investigations into suspected child exploitation activity on various social media platforms. All three suspects were successfully identified and taken into custody.
Arrested individuals and their charges include:
-
Matthew Wagner (DOB 02/25/1985) of Albany
- 1 count of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (LRS 14:81)
- 1 count of Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor (LRS 14:81.3)
-
Justin Baham (DOB 01/16/1995) of Holden
- 1 count of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (LRS 14:81)
- 1 count of Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor (LRS 14:81.3)
- 1 count of Possession of Schedule I CDS (MDMA) (LRS 40:966C)
- 1 count of Firearm in the Presence of CDS (LRS 14:95E)
- 1 count of Possession of Marijuana under 14 grams (LRS 40:9662A)
-
Wilson Mesa-Gomez (DOB 02/24/1995) of Denham Springs
- 1 count of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (LRS 14:81)
- 1 count of Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor (LRS 14:81.3)
- Mesa-Gomez currently has an ICE hold.
Sheriff Ard encourages parents and guardians to stay proactive in protecting children from online predators. The LPSO ICAC team offers educational presentations for community groups, which can be scheduled by calling (225) 435-1365.
Online Safety Tips from LPSO:
- Know your children and their internet habits
- Set clear boundaries and rules for internet usage
- Use parental controls on apps
- Regularly monitor online activity
- Promote open communication about internet interactions
- Teach kids the difference between online and real-world behavior
- Be actively involved in your child's digital life
