On January 11, 2023, the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division with the assistance of Hearts of Hope opened an investigation in reference to a possible indecent behavior with a juvenile complaint.  During the investigation, it was discovered that on multiple occasion, the suspect (Adrian Merrell) of St. Landry was having conversations with a 14 year old victim which were sexual in nature.  Detectives also determined that the conversations led to the suspect secretly meeting with the victim where inappropriate physical activities occurred.  As a result of the investigation, suspect was arrested and charged with One Count of Sexual Battery, One Count Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, One Count of Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor, and One Count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile.  He is currently being held in the Evangeline Parish Jail with a $150,000.00.  This investigation is still ongoing. 

 ALL SUSPECTS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVE GUILTY

As always, Sheriff Charles R. Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the Public to contact their Investigation Department via phone at 337-363-2161 or through the agency's website at www.evangelineparishsheriff.org.  Any person reporting information will remain anonymous.