Justin Michael Smith, 32, was arrested Monday after authorities say he offered money to a 14-year-old to produce sexual images. State investigators say the arrest followed an online tip and a search of the suspect’s home, and the probe is ongoing. Smith remains in custody while prosecutors review digital evidence seized in the investigation.
The Louisiana Attorney General’s office identified Smith and says he is charged with possession of child sexual abuse material involving victims under 13, production of CSAM, indecent behavior with juveniles and computer-aided solicitation of a minor. Officials say Smith admitted to actively searching for and viewing child sexual abuse material and that he requested images from the teen in exchange for payment. Bond information was not immediately available, according to the Attorney General’s office as reported by WWL-TV.
How investigators say the case unfolded
Investigators say the case started when the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children submitted a cybertip flagging illicit material and a possible contact with a minor. Agents working with the Orleans Metro ICAC Task Force, the regional Internet Crimes Against Children unit announced earlier this year, opened the investigation and executed a search warrant.
The task force was created to speed forensic reviews and coordinate local, state and federal partners, and has already led to arrests across the region, as reported by L’Observateur.
Charges and what comes next
Smith faces felony counts that carry significant prison terms and, if convicted, will likely trigger sex-offender registration requirements. The Attorney General’s Criminal Division is handling the prosecution, and officials say a forensic review of seized devices will determine whether additional charges are warranted, per the AG’s office as reported by WWL-TV. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
How to report tips or get help
Anyone with information about this investigation can contact the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. Concerns about online sexual exploitation can also be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline at report.cybertip.org or via NCMEC’s resource page. For more on the Attorney General’s multi-agency ICAC work, see the Louisiana Attorney General’s news page.
