Investigators with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, along with the Monroe Police Department, the FBI New Orleans Division Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force and Safe Streets Task Force, the FBI Jackson, Mississippi Division Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, and the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office announce the arrest of 35 year old Willie C. Blackmon Jr. and 33 year old Lindsey L. Hutto.
Beginning in the summer of 2016, investigators identified a female juvenile victim who had been forced into the child sex trade. During the investigation, the suspects were also linked to an open investigation by the FBI Jackson Division and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office. Through a coordinated effort, the suspects were found to be operating in 11 states, (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee). To date, this investigation has identified several child victims and multiple adult victims that were exploited by this organization. The organization utilized several internet websites to advertise and promote the victims for acts of prostitution. The organization also used social media sites to recruit vulnerable and at risk children into the organization.
Anyone with information about this particular investigation or any other incidents of suspected human trafficking are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement office or report it to the national human trafficking hotline (888) 373-7888.
The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank the Jackson, Mississippi police department and the Tuscaloosa, Alabama police department for their assistance in capturing these individuals.
Both suspects are currently in custody awaiting extradition back to Ouachita Parish to be booked in OCC on the charges. The investigation is continuing.