Covington Police Reports 5 Arrested, Charged With Online Child Exploitation Related Crimes

A multi-agency operation over the weekend led to the arrest of FIVE individuals charged with crimes
related to online child exploitation. This crackdown comes just as summer vacations begin, underscoring our unwavering commitment to keeping our children safe. 

• Matthew Miller, 40, of Covington was arrested in Mandeville by the Mandeville Police Department and charged with Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor and Indecent Behavior with Juveniles.

• Michael Dore, 57, of Hammond was arrested by the Hammond Police Department and is awaiting extradition to St. Tammany Parish on charges of Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor and Indecent Behavior with Juveniles.

• Jason Stevens, 39, of Independence, was arrested by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office and is awaiting extradition to St. Tammany Parish on charges of Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor, Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, and Unlawful Use of a Social Networking Website by a Sex Offender.

• Stephen Shirley, 43, of Mandeville was arrested in Mandeville and charged with Pornography Involving Juveniles and Nonconsensual Disclosure of Private Information.

• Kyle Baltrukevich, 34, of Pearl River was arrested in Mandeville by the Mandeville Police Department and charged with Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor and Indecent Behavior with Juveniles.

This successful investigation was a joint effort with the Mandeville Police Department, Collin Sims DA Special Victims Unit, Office of the Louisiana Attorney General Cyber Crime Unit, Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office, Hammond Police Department - Louisiana, and Pearl River County Sheriff's Department (MS). 

"These arrests represent our unwavering commitment to protecting our children," stated Chief Michael Ferrell. "We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to hold those who prey on the vulnerable accountable."

We are incredibly proud of the cooperative effort of all the agencies involved!

Your role is vital! If you see or suspect any suspicious or criminal online activity, please report it immediately.