A proactive, two-day enforcement operation targeting child predators in Washington Parish has resulted in the arrest of three individuals.

On March 10 and 11, 2026, the 22nd JDC Special Victims Unit (SVU) Task Force conducted a specialized enforcement initiative. The operation was hosted by Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith and included investigators from Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, Covington Police Department, Franklinton Police Department, and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.

The operation resulted in the following arrests:

Patrick Jay Dehnel, 35, of Kentwood, Louisiana, is charged with Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (Grooming), Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor, and Unlawful Use of a Social Networking Website. Dhenel is a registered sex offender. This was the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation's arrest.

Jakoby Kendis Pettway, 25, of New Orleans, Louisiana, is charged with Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor, and Attempted Possession/Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

Joseph Hezekiah Amacker, 38, of Pass Christian, Mississippi, is charged with Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (Child Grooming).

"Our Louisiana Bureau of Investigation will continue to expand its efforts and work with our partners on the Louisiana ICAC Task Force to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who seek to harm the children of this State," said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

“The safety of our children is our highest priority, and we are committed to identifying and removing predators from our community,” said DA Collin Sims. “These arrests are a direct result of the seamless collaboration between local, state, and federal partners. By working together through the SVU Task Force, we are able to intervene and protect potential victims from exploitation. We will continue to be aggressive in our pursuit of those who target the innocent.”

Dehmel was booked into the Washington Parish Jail.

This is an ongoing investigation.

*All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.