SORRENTO, LA — The former mayor of Sorrento has been arrested on 40 counts of child pornography, according to the State Attorney General's Office.
Wilson Longanecker Jr., 41, was arrested Thursday on the 40 counts of child pornography involving juveniles. He was also charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly trying to hide evidence.
The Attorney General's Office said the arrest came from a joint investigation between the Attorney General's Cyber Crime Unit, the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, Homeland Security and Louisiana State Police.
Longanecker is charged with violating a state law forbidding a person to produce, distribute, possess, or possess with the intent to distribute pornography involving juveniles. If convicted as charged, he faces up to 20 years in prison on each count of child pornography and obstruction of justice.
"Crimes like this illustrate how important it is to actively, aggressively pursue those who exploit our children," said Attorney General Caldwell. "I'm proud of the efforts of my Cyber Crime Unit and I thank our law enforcement officers who helped build the case. My office is fully committed to stopping this activity with the best technology available."
