Authorities in Acadia Parish say a Church Point man is behind bars after a forensic review allegedly uncovered thousands of illegal images and videos. Erik Rangel, 35, was arrested Thursday and booked into the Acadia Parish Detention Center after investigators reported finding 6,879 files of child sexual abuse material and 217 files depicting sexual abuse of animals. The case remains under investigation.
According to a post on Facebook from the Louisiana State Police Region 2 office, detectives with the Special Victims Unit launched the investigation in September 2025. During a digital forensic review, they say they identified the alleged files, then obtained an arrest warrant through the 15th Judicial District Court before taking Rangel into custody. The post notes that Rangel was arrested and booked into the Acadia Parish jail on Thursday and lists Trooper Monique Lavergne as the press contact.
Warrant, Booking, and Where the Case Stands
The 15th Judicial District Court, which handles criminal cases for Acadia, Lafayette, and Vermilion parishes, was the venue for processing the warrant in this case. Court information for Acadia Parish is available through the 15th Judicial District Court. The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that Rangel remains in custody at the Acadia Parish Detention Center in Crowley while detectives continue to review digital evidence.
How to Report Tips
State police are asking anyone with information related to the investigation to contact the LSP Fusion Center hotline at 1-800-434-8007. Tips can also be submitted through the online reporting form on the Louisiana State Police website. The Facebook post also lists a Troop I public affairs phone number and an email address for media inquiries.
Broader Context
Investigations into child sexual abuse material have led to a string of recent arrests across Louisiana, reflecting coordinated efforts by local agencies and state-level units. Separate arrests in Calcasieu Parish this week were documented by local outlets, and the Louisiana Office of the Attorney General recently reported an arrest that included animal sex charges in a related case. See coverage from KPLC and the Louisiana Attorney General for examples of similar investigations.
Legal Implications
Under Louisiana law, possession of child sexual abuse material and sexual abuse of an animal are felony offenses, and any formal charges in Rangel’s case will move through the 15th Judicial District Court. Officials say the investigation is active and that additional charges or potential victims could be identified as digital evidence is processed. As in all criminal cases, Rangel is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
