A cross-country truck driver from New Hampshire is in the Washington Parish jail, charged with sexual battery, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and trafficking of children for sexual purposes.
Benjamin Hart, age 27, was arrested in New Mexico on April 3, 2023. He has been held there while contesting extradition to Washington Parish.
Earlier this month, a New Mexico judge ordered Hart to be extradited to Louisiana and he was transported to the Washington Parsh Jail last week.
The charges that were filed against Hart resulted from an investigation conducted by Detective Chad Cassard of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.
According to WPSO, Hart targeted a local juvenile through Xbox Live, an online video game site.
In investigating the case, Cassard learned that Hart had existing charges filed against him in New Hampshire that are similar to the Washington Parish charges.
The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who may have information about Hart or who may be a victim to contact the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office and speak to Detective Chad Cassard.
Sheriff Randy Seal said, ““This case serves as a crucial reminder for parents to monitor their children’s online gaming and social media interactions closely. Incidents like these are not just occurring in large cities; they are striking close to home in our own community.”
