Authorities announced a second arrest Tuesday in an ongoing multi-agency sting operation targeting online child predators, just days after the high-profile detention of a local teacher and pastor.
Ashton Fabela, 28, of Monroe, was booked into Ouachita Correctional Center on felony charges including computer-aided solicitation of a minor, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and attempted carnal knowledge of a juvenile.
The operation, a joint effort by the Louisiana State Police and FBI, utilized popular dating apps to identify potential threats. Undercover officers created a profile on Grindr, a social platform primarily used by gay and bisexual men, to simulate interactions with adults seeking illicit encounters.
According to the arrest affidavit, Fabela initiated contact with the decoy account, expressing interest in a sexual meeting.
As the conversation escalated, the officer posing as an adult mentioned bringing along his “nephew” to join. Fabela granted permission, prompting the officer to probe further: “He’s young tho do u care?” Fabela replied, “Hes experienced.”
When asked about boundaries, Fabela stated, “How young cuz I don’t mess with minors.”
The officer responded reassuringly, “All good I understand,” but Fabela pressed for details on the nephew’s age. Upon learning the boy was 15, Fabela simply texted, “OK,” per court documents. A second undercover agent then assumed the role of the minor, exchanging phone numbers with Fabela and engaging in a call where Fabela identified himself as a “bottom”—slang for a receptive partner in anal sex—while cautioning, “I don’t want to say anything incriminating.”
The exchange shifted to Snapchat, where Fabela video-chatted with both decoys, explicitly inviting them to his apartment for sex. En route to the agreed meetup, Fabela messaged the purported 15-year-old: “I will let you top me,” indicating plans for intercourse with the minor, authorities said.
Fabela arrived at the location expecting a rendezvous but was instead met by officers who took him into custody without incident.
Fabela made no actual contact with a teen in person or on social media.
His bond was set at $75,000—$25,000 per charge—and he faces strict conditions, including no contact with anyone under 17 and a ban on social media use pending trial. He is scheduled to appear before Judge J. Winters in the Fourth Judicial District Court on Oct. 23.
