Authorities in Mississippi and Louisiana say child exploitation charges against suspects in the two states are connected.
According to the Sun Herald, 37-year-old Mary Torres of Lucedale, Mississippi, was arrested last week on one count of child exploitation following an investigation by agents with the Mississippi Attorney General’s office. Officials said additional charges are expected.
In Louisiana, 44-year-old Miguel Martinez of Harvey was also arrested last week. He was booked on counts related to possession and production of child pornography and a charge of sexual battery of a child, according to authorities. Officials said the cases are linked.
Martinez had previously been convicted of rape in California and, according to the National Sex Offender Registry, was deported in 2005 before returning to the United States, authorities said.
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry pointed to the arrest in calling on Congress to support stronger border security measures. “This arrest should serve as a wake-up call to Congress,” Landry said.
The Mississippi Attorney General’s office is prosecuting the case, and investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mississippi Attorney General’s office.