NEW ORLEANS — Thirty-five people have been arrested following a multi-month, multi-agency sweep targeting registered sex offenders illegally using social media and gaming platforms in southeast Louisiana.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced the results of "Operation Safe Networks" on Thursday alongside local, state and federal law enforcement partners. Conducted between August and October 2026 by the Orleans Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the operation focused on individuals sentenced for sex offenses against children who are prohibited under state law from accessing social networking sites.

During the investigation, authorities uncovered offender activity across 16 major digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, PlayStation, Xbox, LinkedIn, Threads, Fambase, WhatNot and Zangi.

In addition to unlawful social media use, suspects were arrested for related offenses uncovered during the sweep, including failure to register or notify authorities as a sex offender or child predator, as well as the sexual abuse of animals.

“Louisiana law enforcement is taking the fight to those who threaten our kids,” Murrill said in a statement. “With over 46,000 tips from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children this year alone, we can’t stop or let our guard down for even a moment. Parents, please continue to monitor your child’s electronic devices. Being a parent and not a friend, can save their life.”

The operation involved 14 partner agencies, including the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, Louisiana State Police, as well as sheriff’s offices and police departments across Orleans, Jefferson, St. John the Baptist, St. Charles, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the broader Louisiana ICAC Task Force has received more than 46,000 cyber tips so far this year, leading to over 600 arrests statewide—including 100 hands-on offenders—and the rescue of 80 children from ongoing abuse.

While the Attorney General's release announced 35 total arrests, only 34 names and mugshots were provided. 

The following individuals were arrested as part of the operation: 

- James Antoine

- Eugene Dimm

- Tony Tesvich

- Micah Stewart

- Matthew Dixon

- Craig James

- David Alfred

- Renarda Kirk

- Dan Dolezal

- Roosevelt Lee

- Derrvon Hughes

- Bernard Pharagood

- Braxton Smith

- Jamel Brown

- Timothy Lee

- Thomas Clark

- Timothy Nelson

- Kenneth Ledet

- Michael Simon

- William McArthur

- Darrell Restivo

- A’mon Beasley

- Justin Frierson

- Vernon Sweeney

- Nichollas Pla

- Delery Brown

- Darrell Brazile

- Treyson Thedy

- Tyronne Johnson

- David Andrews

- Raymond Jakubielski

- David Hunter

- Charles Emmit

- Udraka Roberts-Bey