Three Arrested for Arranging Sexual Encounters With Minors

Source: Reports from the Covington Police department and District Attorney Collin Sims

The Covington Police Department, in partnership with the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit Task Force, conducted an operation involving an undercover online chatroom investigation. During the operation, three individuals believed they were communicating with juveniles for the purpose of arranging a sexual encounter.

After traveling to Covington to meet for these purposes, all three individuals were taken into custody by the Covington Police Department’s Special Response Team.

We would like to thank our assisting agencies who participated in this operation: the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations Unit, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The following individuals were arrested:

• James Granier, 41-year-old white male, of Loranger, Louisiana. Charged with one count each of  Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor (Felony), Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (Felony), Attempted Production/Possession of Pornography Involving Juveniles (Felony), and Resisting an Officer (Misdemeanor)

• Adrien Arabie III, 31-year-old white male, of Ball, Louisiana. Charged with one count each of Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor (Felony), Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (Felony), and Child Grooming (Felony)

• Ralph Seibel, 58-year-old white male, of Slidell, Louisiana. Charged with one count each of  Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor (Felony) and Child Grooming (Felony)

All persons arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law

Chief Ferrell stated “Crimes against children are among the most serious offenses we investigate, and we will not wait for a child in our community to become a victim. This operation reflects our commitment to proactively identify offenders, hold them accountable, and send a clear message that Covington is not a place where predators can operate. I’m grateful for the professionalism of our officers and the strong partnership with the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit Task Force and our assisting agencies.”

District Attorney Collin Sims stated: "Our Special Victims Unit Task Force was created to find and stop those who seek to harm the most vulnerable members of our community before they have the chance to act. The success of this operation is a direct result of the seamless collaboration with our law enforcement partners. I want to specifically thank the Covington Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and Office of the Louisiana Attorney General for their invaluable expertise. By working together, we are sending a clear message that we will use every resource available to hold these individuals fully accountable."