PLAQUEMINE — Sheriff Brett Stassi, along with state and federal law enforcement, hopes for swift justice after the arrest of a suspected child predator from Florida accused of nearly 30 counts of abuse toward an Iberville Parish preteen.

On Monday, WBRZ reported the booking of Timothy Barnes into the Iberville Parish Jail on 27 counts of production of child pornography, as well as one count each of computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with juveniles.

Stassi, at a Tuesday news conference, added that Barnes's alleged victim was 12 at the time of the crimes. 

All 29 counts pertain to the abuse of this one victim, the sheriff said.

"Today we're putting a name and a face on the boogie man our parents warned us about," Stassi said. 

Stassi said the road to Barnes' arrest started when a "vigilant parent saw something suspicious and reported it." 

"Our message today is straightforward: parents, pay attention to your children's online activities," Stassi added. "You lock every window, every door, but the internet connection can still give predators access to your children inside your home." 

At the time of the crimes, Stassi said, Barnes was three states away. Barnes, a 31-year-old Florida resident, was arrested in Fort Myers on Sept. 29 and later extradited to Iberville.

"Distance offered no protection to this young child," the sheriff said.

Stassi called for swift justice, saying he hopes Barnes "never be allowed to breathe fresh air outside a penal institution his entire life," a sentiment echoed by District Attorney Tony Clayton.

"This monster will be dealt with and dealt with swiftly," Clayton said. "He will be brought to the front of the line and get what he deserves."

Stassi added that he expects further arrests in this case.

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