Grant Parish, Louisiana - A Louisiana man has been arrested in an LSP SVU investigation and accused of committing multiple sex crimes involving minors.
In June 2023, a probe was initiated by Louisiana State Police Special Victim's Unit (LSP SVU) concerning Earnest Wehunt Jr., 58, regarding charges of sexual battery against a minor. The preliminary investigation revealed that Wehunt Jr. was suspected of sexually assaulting a minor as well as committing heinous acts against nature. Additionally, the investigators revealed that there might also be more possible victims.
As the inquiry moved forward, and based on the information gathered, the LSP SVU obtained an arrest warrant for aggravated crimes against nature from the 35th Judicial District Court of Grant Parish. On July 12, 2023, Wehunt Jr. turned himself in to authorities at the Grant Parish Detention Facility, where he was processed without any complications.
Through an investigation on August 15, 2023, it was uncovered that Wehunt Jr. has allegedly committed further sexual offenses. The LSP SVU subsequently obtained an additional arrest warrant from the 35th Judicial District Court of Grant Parish, for aggravated crimes against nature, molestation of a juvenile, and sexual battery (victim under 13).
Wehunt Jr. again turned himself in to the authorities at the Grant Parish Detention Facility on August 21, 2023, where he was arrested without any issues.
The inquiry is still in progress and continuing.
The Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit (LSP SVU) is dedicated to saving and securing justice for individuals who are victims of child exploitation and human trafficking, both for sexual exploitation and forced labor. The general public is highly instrumental in pinpointing culprits involved in such crimes and is strongly encouraged to report any criminal or suspicious occurrences. There is an online reporting system put in place by the Louisiana State Police, which allows the public to submit anonymous reports to the respective investigators. This reporting form is accessible by visiting http://la-safe.org/ and selecting the option "Suspicious Activity".
A booking photo was not available at the time this was published.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.