Sex Crimes Arrest Made by Washington Parish SO

Source: Washington Parish Sheriff's Office

Charles Frank Nickel Jr., age 58, was arrested by Deputies of the Washington Parish Sheriff  on Saturday (August 15, 2026), on the following charges: 

• 1 Count L.R.S. 14:81.2 Molestation of a Juvenile (Victim Under Age 13), 
• 1 Count L.R.S. 14:89.1 Aggravated Crimes Against Nature (Incest) (Victim Under Age 13) and 
• 1 Count L.R.S. 14:81 Indecent Behavior With Juvenile (Victim Under Age 13).

The arrest is the result of an investigation into a case that began in 2018. At that time, deputies of the Washington Parish Sheriff received a complaint from an adult victim of a sexual battery that occurred when she was a child. On April 15th, 2026 detectives with the Special Investigations Unit of the Washington Parish Sheriff reopened the case and began the thorough investigation that resulted in the arrest of Mr. Nickel.

Upon his arrest, Nickel was interviewed by detectives and made admissions of sexual abuse. He also made admissions of being in possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) located on devices in his home in Denham Springs. This admission resulted in information being turned over to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force of the Livingston Parish Sheriff. Deputies of the Livingston Parish Sheriff executed a search warrant for Nickel’s residence in Denham Springs, La. and seized multiple computers and electronic storage devices containing CSAM.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim or who has information related to this investigation is encouraged to come forward and contact the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. Information may be shared confidentially.

To protect the privacy of the victim and preserve the integrity of the investigation, no additional details are being released at this time. Sheriff Smith remains committed to protecting children, thoroughly investigating allegations of abuse, and holding offenders accountable through the judicial process.

All people accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Smith would like to thank the 22nd Judicial District Special Victim’s Unit, Covington Police Department, and Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office ICAC Task Force for their assistance in this investigation.