The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office (LPSO) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, in partnership with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation under Attorney General Liz Murrill, has arrested a Gonzales man following a proactive online child exploitation investigation.
Bryce John Gautreau, 29, was taken into custody after investigators uncovered evidence that he had engaged in inappropriate online conversations with someone he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. The undercover operation ultimately revealed criminal behavior leading to his arrest.
Sheriff Jason Ard stated:
“Gautreau knowingly engaged in indecent behavior with someone he believed was a juvenile, and used the internet to solicit that minor. This kind of predatory activity will not be tolerated in Livingston Parish—or anywhere in Louisiana.”
ARRESTED:
Name: Bryce John Gautreau
Age: 29
Location: Gonzales, LA
Charges Filed:
- (1) Count of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (LA RS 14:81)
- (1) Count of Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor (LA RS 14:81.3)
Gautreau is currently being held in the custody of the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is ongoing.
LPSO’s Commitment to Child Safety:
The ICAC Task Force within the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office works continuously to protect children from online predators. These highly trained investigators monitor digital platforms, social media, and online gaming environments where child predators are known to operate. Using advanced forensic tools and investigative strategies, the team is committed to identifying, intercepting, and arresting individuals who prey on minors.
Sheriff Ard emphasized:
“Our ICAC investigators are working around the clock to uncover online threats before children are harmed. We are doing everything possible to keep young internet users safe from exploitation.”
ONLINE DANGERS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Over 500,000 predators are active online daily.
- Children aged 12–15 are the most frequent targets.
- 89% of inappropriate advances happen in online chatrooms.
- Only 20% of kids understand the risks of strangers online.
- 40% of minors admit to disabling parental safety settings to gain more followers.
These numbers reflect the real and growing risk that online predators pose to children. Parental awareness and communication are critical.
EDUCATION IS KEY:
The LPSO ICAC team offers free internet safety presentations for schools, churches, parent groups, and community organizations. These presentations provide practical advice on digital safety, recognizing warning signs, and protecting children on social media and gaming platforms.
To schedule a free presentation, call:
225-435-1365
A Call to Action:
This arrest serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers children face online—and the vital role law enforcement and the community play in protecting them. The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office urges parents to stay informed, remain involved in their children’s digital lives, and report any suspicious online activity.
Together, we can stop predators and protect our youth.
