Lafayette, LA (KPEL News) - New information has emerged following the St. Mary Parish arrests of two people on child sex trafficking charges, and the involvement of Lafayette Police and federal agencies suggests these people may be connected to similar crimes outside of Louisiana.

The story began to unfold in October 2023 with the arrest of a Lafayette, Louisiana, man.

Lafayette Police arrested 26-year-old Michael Blackburn on Friday, October 17, on a charge of human trafficking of a juvenile for sexual purposes.

On September 28, detectives were notified of an emergency meeting about a 16-year-old girl who was in a Jefferson Street bar in downtown Lafayette where she met Blackburn. The two went to a hotel for sex, for which the girl was paid. When he brought her back to the bar, police say she gave "her pimp" the money she received from Blackburn for "performing sexual acts."

Further investigation revealed that the female pimp was 20-year-old Madison Herrington of Monroe, Louisiana. Lafayette Police then secured a warrant for her arrest on one count of human trafficking of children for sexual purposes.

She was arrested on 14 charges involving children. Another 20-year-old man faces 15 sex-related charges involving juveniles. They were both taken into custody on November 2 in St. Mary Parish. You can read the original story below.

Lafayette Police detectives, along with officials in St. Mary Parish, are partnering with Homeland Security for the investigation, and the two suspects may face federal charges, as well.

Officials say Herrington is not cooperating with law enforcement.

ORIGINAL STORY (11/3/2023)

Morgan City, LA - Two individuals from Morgan City, Louisiana, are charged with sex crimes and trafficking involving children that extends to Lafayette Parish. Police made the arrests on Thursday.

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The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Department and the Lafayette Police Department worked alongside Morgan City Police for a long-term investigation that led to the arrest of 20-year-old Madison Herrington and 20-year-old Ty Adam White.

Thursday morning, detectives with the sheriff's office and Morgan City Police executed a search warrant on a home in Bayou Vista. Interviews and further investigation led to the apprehension of Herrington and White who were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking.

Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and each of the suspects has been booked on the following charges:

Madison Herrington

· Carnal knowledge of a juvenile

· Indecent behavior with a juvenile

· Producing of pornography involving juveniles (10 counts)

· Trafficking of children for sexual purposes

· Lafayette Parish warrant for trafficking of children for sexual purposes

Ty Adam White

· Carnal knowledge of a juvenile

· Indecent behavior with a juvenile

· Producing of pornography involving juveniles (12 counts)

· Trafficking of children for sexual purposes