Natchitoches Parish Sheriff High Tech Crime Unit, Natchitoches, LA (2026)

06/14/2026

SCAM ALERT: Fraudsters Targeting Residents with Fake “Pre-Trial” Payment Demands Using Relative/or Friends Names To Get Them Out of Jail

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office is notifying the public of a scam targeting residents through phone calls, text messages, emails, and social media messages claiming they must send money to avoid arrest, clear a warrant, get a relative out of jail, satisfy a court obligation, or participate in a so-called "pre-trial" program.

The fraudster may use the name of a relative needing to get out of jail with the condition of bond being the use of an ankle monitor system.

Scammers often impersonate law enforcement officers, court officials, attorneys, or government agencies and may use spoofed phone numbers that appear legitimate. Victims are instructed to immediately send money through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, payment apps, or other electronic payment methods.

Residents should be aware:

* The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office does not call individuals demanding money to avoid arrest or resolve legal matters.
* Legitimate law enforcement agencies do not accept payments through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment apps.
* Scammers frequently use threats, intimidation, and urgency to pressure victims into making quick decisions.
* Caller ID information can be manipulated and should not be considered proof of legitimacy.
*
If you receive a suspicious call, text, email, or message:
* Do not provide personal or financial information.
* Do not send money.
* Hang up immediately and independently verify the information by contacting the agency directly using a known phone number.
* Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency.
*
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by this scam is encouraged to contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office at 318-357-7851.

The NPSO High Tech Crime Unit and other law enforcement partners are investigating these incidents.

Two cases have been reported in Natchitoches Parish where victims sent money.

Sheriff Stuart Wright reminds citizens to remain vigilant and discuss these scams with family members, especially senior citizens who are often targeted by fraudsters. When in doubt, hang up, verify, and never send money to unsolicited callers.

06/11/2026

NPSO: Oklahoma Man in Custody Related to Online Exploitation of Natchitoches Parish Juvenile

Natchitoches Parish – A Broken Arrow, Oklahoma man currently incarcerated in Oklahoma on charges of Second Degree R**e, So**my with a Victim Under 16, Soliciting Sexual Conduct or Communications with a Minor by Use of Technology, and Enticing a Child Under 16 into a Secluded Area has been arrested on felony charges following an extensive investigation by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office High Tech Crime Bureau involving the online exploitation of a juvenile in Natchitoches Parish, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

On April 7, 2026, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office received a complaint from a parent after her daughter, less than 12 years old, reported an inappropriate online encounter with an individual she initially believed to be a young boy through a social media platform commonly used by children and adults.

The investigation was assigned to the NPSO High Tech Crime Bureau.

Through forensic analysis, search warrants, digital evidence obtained from multiple technology providers, and other investigative means, detectives identified the suspect as Tyrone J. Muao, 35, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Investigators determined Muao allegedly used social media accounts to communicate with juvenile victims while misrepresenting his age. Evidence gathered during the investigation indicated Muao knowingly engaged in communications with the Natchitoches Parish child after learning her true age and allegedly participated in conduct constituting criminal violations under Louisiana law.

The investigation further revealed evidence indicating Muao maintained communications with numerous underage individuals through social media platforms and displayed a pattern of seeking contact with minors. Detectives also learned Muao currently faces pending criminal charges in Oklahoma involving allegations of sexual offenses against a minor.

On June 5, 2026, a detective assigned to the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit submitted arrest warrant affidavits charging Muao with one count of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles and one count of Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor.

At the time of these new allegations, Muao was free on bond in Oklahoma awaiting court proceedings on the original charges. Following notification of the Natchitoches Parish charges, his bond was revoked. Detectives in Oklahoma have also opened a new investigation into Muao's activities and have identified additional victims across the United States.

The arrest warrants were approved through the Tenth Judicial District Court. Law enforcement authorities in Oklahoma have been notified of the warrants and plan to arrest Muao on the Natchitoches Parish charges.

“This investigation demonstrates the importance of parental involvement and immediate reporting of suspicious online activity involving children,” said Sheriff Stuart Wright. “The safety and protection of our children remains one of our highest priorities. We will continue to aggressively investigate crimes involving the exploitation of children and work with our law enforcement partners to bring offenders to justice.”

This investigation remains ongoing. Additional charges are pending as Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives continue assisting the Bartlesville Police Department in Oklahoma in this disturbing investigation involving children.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at (318) 238-3127.

Sergeant Clinton Dunn, assigned to the NPSO High Tech Crime Unit, is leading the investigation.

Sheriff Wright commended the NPSO High Tech Crime Bureau for their diligence, professionalism, and commitment to protecting children from online predators.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office encourages parents and guardians to actively monitor their children's online activity, discuss internet safety with their children, and immediately report suspicious or inappropriate communications involving minors to law enforcement.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office remains committed to protecting children from online predators through aggressive investigations, community awareness, and partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Parents are encouraged to remain actively involved in their children's online activities and report any suspicious behavior immediately. Working together, we can help ensure the safety and well-being of our children both online and throughout our communities.

04/24/2026

NPSO ALERT: SCAM NOTICE REGARDING FRAUDULENT TRAFFIC VIOLATION TEXT MESSAGES

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office has been informed by parish residents of a text message circulating today claiming to be from the “State of Louisiana – Municipal Court of Orleans Parish, Traffic Division” regarding alleged outstanding traffic violations.

This message is a scam.

The fraudulent notice attempts to pressure recipients into taking immediate action by threatening penalties such as license suspension, additional fines, or court enforcement. It may also include a QR code or link directing individuals to submit payment.

Residents are advised of the following:

Legitimate courts and law enforcement agencies do not send unsolicited text messages demanding payment for traffic violations.
Official notices are typically sent via mail or served in person.
Do not click on any links or scan QR codes contained in suspicious messages.
Do not provide personal or financial information.

If you receive this message, delete it immediately. If you have already interacted with the message or provided information, you are encouraged to contact your financial institution and report the incident.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office reminds the public to remain pay attention to suspicious text messages and report scams to local law enforcement.

Address

Natchitoches, LA
71457

Telephone

(318) 357-7830

Website

http://www.npsheriff.org/

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Natchitoches Parish Sheriff High Tech Crime Unit