A former St. James Parish Sheriff's Deputy that was previously arrested by AG Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation in February is now facing additional child exploitation charges amid our ongoing investigation.

On March 17, 23-year-old Tykei Ari Simoneaux, of N. Pine Street in Gramercy, was re-arrested on additional charges including:

• 14:81 Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile – 1 Count
• 14:81.3 Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor – 1 Count
• 14:81.1E(4)(a) Child Sexual Abuse Material (Production) - 32 Counts
• 14:27:46.2 Attempted Human Trafficking - 1 Count

He is still facing all of the initial charges he was arrested for in February like Malfeasance in Office and Obstruction of Justice.

Simoneaux was first encountered while employed as a deputy with the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office but was immediately terminated upon SJPSO learning of the allegations in the initial arrest.

Through further investigation, Special agents located evidence that Simoneaux solicited a juvenile to produce CSAM in exchange for monetary compensation, as well as attempted to engage in person sexual conduct.

Tykeim Ari Simoneaux was already in custody at the St. James Parish Jail.

Here is his new bond information:

• First Arrest: $550,000.00
• Second Arrest: $695,000.00
• Total bond on all charges now: $1,245,000.00

“This arrest is not a reflection of the hardworking men and women of law enforcement across Louisiana, who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. Rather, it's a reminder that no one is above the law. If you harm our children, you will be arrested and prosecuted. I want to thank Sheriff Claude J. Louis Jr. and his deputies for their full cooperation and partnership in this investigation," said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

This arrest resulted from a joint investigation by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (lead agency), the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the St James Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The St. James Parish Sheriff's Office was fully cooperative in our investigation, which is still ongoing.

*All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty