Man arrested for sex crimes against children would lure victims to home for chicken nugget lunch, sex
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HAMMOND - Two men were arrested in Tangipahoa Parish for sex crimes against children; one is accused of luring his victims to his home for chicken nuggets and sex.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office released the information about the two separate investigations Monday morning. Sheriff Gerald Stickers says for the past month detective have worked alongside the statewide group "The Indecent Crimes Against Children Task Force" and the Attorney General, Liz Murrill's office.
Sticker says the arrests should be a wake-up call to parents who's kids have easy access the internet.
The detectives pose as minors online, luring potential predators and engaging in casual conversations. The unknowing suspect agrees on a meeting time and place with the investigator, and the arrests are made.
Preston Murray, 37, of Breaux Bridge was booked into the parish jail on Dec. 10 for one count each of indecent behavior with juveniles, computer-aided solicitation of a minor, and attempted carnal knowledge of a juvenile along with drug charges.
Murray was arrested and his van was seized. Inside the windows were covered with insulation and deputies found beer bottles, drugs, and a couch.
"It's quite obvious with everything that we've seen with that vehicle what his intentions were," Sticker said.
Additionally, Joshua Collie, 46, of Baton Rouge, was arrested Dec. 13 for one count each of computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with juveniles. Collie, a fast food restaurant manager, had several days' worth of explicit chats with someone he believed to be a minor, luring them to his home with the promise of chicken nuggets.
"You'd be surprised, it's just general conversation," Sticker said about the investigation process. "And our suspect was happy to oblige."
Sticker says while his team is a barrier from criminals, parents should be their children's first line of defense.
The sheriff's office thanked the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office for its help in the investigation.