Three Arrested in Washington Parish for Crimes Against Children

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that a proactive, two-day enforcement operation targeting child predators in Washington Parish has resulted in the arrest of three individuals.

On March 10 and 11, 2026, the 22nd JDC Special Victims Unit (SVU) Task Force conducted a specialized enforcement initiative. The operation was hosted by Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith and included investigators from the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, Covington Police Department, Franklinton Police Department, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Louisiana Bureau of Investigation.

The operation resulted in the following arrests:

• Patrick Jay Dehnel, 35, of Kentwood, Louisiana, is charged with Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (Grooming), Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor, and Unlawful Use of a Social Networking Website. Dhenel is a registered sex offender. Bond has been set at $500,000.00.

• Jakoby Kendis Pettway, 25, of New Orleans, Louisiana, is charged with Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor, and Attempted Possession/Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Bond has been set at $150,000.00.

• Joseph Hezekiah Amacker, 38, of Pass Christian, Mississippi, is charged with Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (Child Grooming). Bond has been set at $75,000.00.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***

“The safety of our children is our highest priority, and we are committed to identifying and removing predators from our community,” said DA Collin Sims. “These arrests are a direct result of the seamless collaboration between local, state, and federal partners. By working together through the SVU Task Force, we are able to intervene and protect potential victims from exploitation. We will continue to be aggressive in our pursuit of those who target the innocent.”

Sheriff Jason Smith stated, “If you are someone who uses the internet to target children, understand this: you are not welcome here, you are not safe here, and eventually you will be caught. In Washington Parish, we will protect our kids first, and I will not apologize for going after the people who try to hurt them.”

"Our Louisiana Bureau of Investigation will continue to expand its efforts and work with our partners on the Louisiana ICAC Task Force to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who seek to harm the children of this State," said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

The 22nd JDC SVU Task Force remains dedicated to investigating those who attempt to use digital platforms to target minors. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be brought as evidence is further processed.