Five arrested in Covington child sex crimes investigation

September 29

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

COVINGTON, La. (WGNO) — Five men have been arrested in connection with a “major” operation led by the Covington Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division.

Police say the operation also featured the involvement of the CPD Special Response Team, the Department of Homeland Security, the United State Secret Service, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Franklinton Police Department.

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The operation resulted in the following arrests and charges:

24-year-old Howard Pitre:

Attempted production of pornography involving juveniles.
Indecent behavior with juveniles.
Computer-aided solicitation of a minor for sexual purposes.

54-year-old David Dykes:

35-year-old Ryan Honea:

44-year-old Randy Hinton:

Computer-aided solicitation of a minor for sexual purposes.
Indecent behavior with juveniles.
Manufacture/distribution of schedule II CDS.

39-year-old Jose Escalante:

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The department also reported that 29-year-old Allen Tate Jr. was arrested the same week in a separate case that also involved crimes against children, including first-degree rape and molestation.

All of the suspects have been booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail while they await prosecution.

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