Troop E (3) - Louisiana State Police

REGION 3 NEWS RELEASE

August 22, 2023

Colfax Man Arrested for Multiple Sex Crimes Involving Children

Grant Parish– In June 2023, Louisiana State Police Special Victim’s Unit (LSP SVU) began an investigation involving 58-year-old Earnest Wehunt Jr. for sexual battery of a juvenile. During the initial investigation, it was discovered that Wehunt Jr. had allegedly committed sexual battery of a juvenile and aggravated crimes against nature. Investigators also learned that there were other potential victims.

As the investigation progressed and with the information obtained, LSP SVU secured an arrest warrant from the Grant Parish 35th Judicial District Court for aggravated crimes against nature. On July 12, 2023, Wehunt Jr. surrendered himself to investigators at the Grant Parish Detention Facility, where he was booked without incident.

On August 15, 2023, through investigative means, it was discovered that Wehunt Jr. had committed additional sexual crimes. LSP SVU secured an additional arrest warrant from the Grant Parish 35th Judicial District Court for aggravated crimes against nature, molestation of a juvenile, and sexual battery (victim under 13).

On August 21, 2023, Wehunt Jr. again surrendered himself to investigators at the Grant Parish Detention Facility, where he was booked without incident.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further information is available at this time.

LSP SVU works to rescue and seek justice for the victims of crimes involving the exploitation of children and the trafficking of humans for sex or labor. The public plays an important role in identifying suspects accused of these crimes and is urged to report criminal or suspicious activity. The Louisiana State Police online reporting system is available to the public through an anonymous reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. The form can be found by visiting http://la-safe.org/ and clicking on the “Suspicious Activity” link.

Contact Information:

M/T Casey Wallace

Louisiana State Police

Public Affairs Section

Office: (318) 239-0916

casey.wallace@la.gov