natch arrest 071626.jpg
natch arrest 071626 - 02.jpg

NATCHITOCHES, La. — A joint investigation involving the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office High Tech Crime Unit and the Louisiana Attorney General's Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has led to the arrest of a Melrose-area man on multiple felony charges related to the alleged possession of child sexual abuse material, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

The investigation began in April, when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provided law enforcement with a CyberTip that led investigators to the Melrose area in south Natchitoches Parish.

During the course of the investigation, detectives assigned to the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit identified the suspect as John B. Pinckley, 64 of Natchez, (Melrose).

As the investigation progressed, detectives spent several weeks conducting a detailed forensic examination of digital evidence, securing search warrants through the Tenth Judicial District Court, and following additional investigative leads.

As a result of the investigation, detectives developed sufficient evidence and probable cause to obtain criminal arrest warrants signed by a district judge for Pinckley.

On Tuesday, detectives assigned to the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit, with assistance from the NPSO Drug Enforcement Unit, Criminal Investigations Bureau, and Patrol Operations Bureau, executed a search warrant and arrest warrant at Pinckley's residence in the 3700 block of state Highway 484 near Melrose.

Pinckley was taken into custody without incident and transported to the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Parish Detention Center, where he was booked on 20 counts of pornography involving juveniles.

He remains incarcerated in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center pending bond and further court proceedings.

Wright emphasized the Sheriff's Office's commitment to protecting children and aggressively investigating crimes involving the sexual exploitation of minors.

"The exploitation of children is among the most disturbing crimes we investigate. The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office remains committed to identifying those who prey upon children, holding offenders accountable, and working with our law enforcement partners to ensure our communities remain safe. We want parents and guardians to know that we will continue to dedicate the personnel, technology, and resources necessary to investigate these offenses and protect our children," Wright said.

Wright also expressed his appreciation to the Louisiana Attorney General's Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for their partnership and continued commitment to protecting children from online exploitation.

"These investigations require strong partnerships at the local, state, and national levels. We sincerely thank the Louisiana Attorney General's Office ICAC Task Force and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for their outstanding assistance and unwavering dedication in helping law enforcement identify offenders and rescue children from exploitation," he said.

Anyone with information regarding crimes involving the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit at 318-357-7811. Sgt. Cory Campbell is the case agent.