Louisiana law enforcement arrests 10 in child exploitation sting

Ten individuals were arrested during ‘Operation Bottom Dweller,’ an undercover law enforcement initiative targeting the sexual exploitation of minors via electronic and online platforms. The operation was led by the Attorney General's Office and the Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana.

Notable arrests include Malcolm Barnes III, a 35-year-old minister from New Iberia, and Lesli Joel Calix Sarmiento, a 36-year-old resident of Slidell. Other arrestees include Brian Gilton, Joey Gravois, Jack Stutsman, Delmer Wesley Messer, Shelton Smith, John Bang, Dustin H. Caldwell, and Chaz Michael Fromnethal. Charges against the suspects include indecent behavior and computer-aided solicitation of a minor.