Human trafficking suspect accused of hiring babysitters to change his diaper, treat him like a child
12/27/2021 12:21 pm PST
JEFFERSON PARISH, La. (TCD) -- A 31-year-old man stands accused of human trafficking after reportedly posing as a young man with special needs and hiring babysitters to change his diaper earlier this month.
According to a press release from Louisiana State Police, in November 2019, an initial human trafficking investigation was launched, leading to the arrest of Rutledge Deas IV. Deas was allegedly posing as a younger man with special needs and hired babysitters to change his diaper and treat him like a child. In December 2020, state police say Deas pleaded guilty.
Earlier this month, on Dec. 20, a second investigation was launched after detectives reportedly discovered a text Deas sent under similar circumstances. In the message, state police say Deas offered to pay a victim to change his diapers and said he was undergoing "alternative therapy." According to state police, Deas posed as a younger man with special needs again and tried to make the victim recruit other babysitters to care for him.
On Dec. 23, state police say Deas was arrested at his home in Metairie and booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. He faces human trafficking and attempted human trafficking charges.
According to KLFY-TV, the investigation remains ongoing and more victims are possible.
MORE:
