DENHAM SPRINGS — After two people accused of stealing 3,400 pounds of AT&T copper wire were booked in five thefts in Livingston Parish, officials say they are now facing additional charges. The sheriff’s office shared that the man is now facing charges that include rape and molestation of a juvenile.
Todd Pearce, 42, and Ashley Landry, 41, were booked on July 13 with five counts each of criminal damage to critical infrastructure and theft. Days later, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office shared that while conducting reviews of the pair’s electronic devices, detectives observed pornographic images and videos of the sexual abuse of an animal.
Because of this, both Pearce and Landry have new charges. Pearce faces the additional charges: 7 counts sexual abuse of an animal (Film/Possess Images of Abuse); 1 count sexual abuse of an animal (Distribution); and 2 counts sexual abuse of an animal (Organize/Participate in Abuse). Landry was charged with 1 count sexual abuse of an animal (Film/Possess Images of Abuse) and 2 counts sexual abuse of an animal (Engaging in Abuse).
This month, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Victims’ Unit (SVU) began investigating complaints of first-degree rape and molestation of a victim under 13 years old. Through evidence and interviews, detectives determined they had enough evidence to request an arrest warrant for Pearce on these charges.
Pearce was arrested without incident and faces the following additional charges: two counts of first-degree rape (victim under the age of 13) and 208 counts of molestation of a juvenile (groping).
Pearce remains in the Livingston Parish Detention Center. He is held without bond for both of these new charges.
Copper wire thefts
Livingston Parish Sheriff’s detectives investigating the copper wire thefts initially obtained search warrants for a home in Robert and a business in Hammond. They say they found 3,400 pounds of copper wire worth $18,000.
The cache of wire may also be connected to other thefts in Livingston and to thefts in other jurisdictions, LPSO said. The thefts have reportedly cost the affected business $300,000.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation, which is ongoing.
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