Louisiana State Police say an undercover online sting aimed at people allegedly seeking sex with minors and paid sexual activity ended with two Baton Rouge men in custody. Investigators arrested 33-year-old Isiah Stewart and 36-year-old Casey Allen Poole on June 4. Both were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Stewart faces counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile and computer-aided solicitation of a minor, while Poole was booked on a charge of purchase of commercial sexual activity, according to state police.
In a news release shared on Facebook, Louisiana State Police said the agency’s Special Victims Unit ran the undercover online operation that led to identifying both suspects. Detectives were assisted by the Criminal Investigations Unit and the Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft Unit, and the department urged anyone with information to report criminal or suspicious activity.
WAFB reports that Stewart allegedly engaged in sexually explicit conversations and sent images to someone he believed was a 15-year-old. The station also reports that Poole allegedly tried to set up specific sexual acts in exchange for money and was arrested after arriving at a predetermined meeting spot. According to WAFB, both men were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on Thursday, June 4.
How Investigators Say the Sting Worked
State police say detectives routinely use online decoy accounts to spot people looking for illicit sexual activity and to build evidence that can support an arrest. The Special Victims Unit has conducted similar undercover online operations in the past and often works with other Louisiana State Police divisions and local law enforcement partners, according to Louisiana State Police.
Legal Stakes
Indecent behavior with juveniles (R.S. 14:81) and computer-aided solicitation of a minor (R.S. 14:81.3) are Louisiana criminal offenses that can carry felony penalties and potential prison time, as summarized by Justia and Justia. Purchase of commercial sexual activity is codified at R.S. 14:82.2 and can bring fines and jail time, with tougher penalties for repeat offenses, according to the Louisiana Legislature. Convictions in qualifying cases may also require sex-offender registration under R.S. 15:541 et seq., per the Louisiana Legislature.
Report Tips and What Comes Next
Louisiana State Police are asking the public to share tips, photos, or other evidence through the agency’s anonymous reporting portal at LA-SAFE. Public materials list Trooper Shelby Mayfield in Public Affairs, phone (225) 921-1384 and [email protected], as a media and tip contact, according to Louisiana State Police.
Authorities emphasize that these are allegations and that both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. State police say the investigation is still active and that they will release more information when appropriate, with WAFB noting the arrests and booking details in its coverage.
