Four suspects arrested on human trafficking, rape, and firearm charges as officials urge survivors to come forward

NEW ORLEANS — Law enforcement leaders and victim service providers announced today the dismantling of a human trafficking operation believed to have been exploiting minors and young women across New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana, following a months-long, multi-agency investigation that resulted in the arrest of four suspects on serious felony charges.

Officials described the arrests as a critical disruption of an organized trafficking network—and a moment centered not only on accountability, but on safety, healing, and support for survivors.

“This is a major blow to human trafficking in this region—not just New Orleans,” said District Attorney Jason Rogers Williams. “Violent offenders, especially human traffickers, do not respect parish or city lines. What happened here removed dangerous individuals from the street and, just as importantly, brought comfort and safety to survivors—many of whom we may not even know yet.”

A coordinated, victim-centered investigation

NOPD Chief Nicholas Gernon detailed how the investigation, initiated in the summer of 2025, was built through close coordination between NOPD’s Special Victims Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. Investigators relied on digital forensics, targeted surveillance, and open-source intelligence to identify suspects and intervene safely.

“We know that human trafficking can happen in any neighborhood, in any economic situation,” Chief Gernon said. “There are not necessarily hot spots—but there are hot people and hot groups. The District Attorney’s open-source network was a critical part of this case, helping us identify not only the traffickers themselves, but also the peripheral players connected to this operation.”

District Attorney Jason Williams emphasized the importance of building modern investigative capacity to meet evolving crimes.

“This is exactly why we brought Bancroft Global in—to help us build the first-ever OSINT unit, so we can better leverage technology and open-source data to build strong cases,” Williams said.

Bancroft Global’s Aaron Greenstone credited strong strategic coordination between NOPD and the District Attorney’s Office as a key factor in dismantling the trafficking network and protecting vulnerable victims.

“These individuals were working in concert to traffic minors in and out of the New Orleans area,” Gernon added. “We made a deliberate decision to arrest them away from locations where victims may have been present, to protect survivors and prevent further harm.”

Open-source intelligence—commonly referred to as OSINT—involves the lawful collection and analysis of publicly available information, including social media activity, digital footprints, and online data, to identify patterns, connections, and individuals involved in criminal activity. As technology evolves, OSINT has become a critical tool in disrupting modern crime networks and holding offenders accountable.

All four suspects were taken into custody without incident. Search warrants executed as part of the operation led to the recovery of multiple firearms and additional evidence, which has been turned over to prosecutors.

“This has never been a handoff—it’s been hand in hand from day one,” Gernon said. “And just as important as these arrests is this message to survivors: we believe you, we take a victim-centered approach, and you are not alone.”

Charges filed

The following individuals were arrested and charged in connection with this investigation:

Leroy Allen

• 1 count – Human Trafficking (Felony)

• 3 counts – First Degree Rape (Felony)

• 1 count – Aggravated Assault with a Firearm (Felony)

Montrell Porter

• 1 count – Human Trafficking (Felony)

• 3 counts – First Degree Rape (Felony)

Allen Lawrence

• 2 counts – Human Trafficking (Felony)

Commodore Allen

• 1 count – Human Trafficking (Felony)

This investigation remains active and ongoing.

In addition to the arrests, prosecutors have taken early steps to ensure survivor safety as the case moves forward. Assistant District Attorney Scarlet Hammond confirmed that the court granted the State’s request under Gwen’s Law for all four defendants.

“Commissioner Friedman granted the Gwen’s Law request for all four human trafficking defendants, and I will argue the matter Tuesday afternoon before Magistrate Judge Sallah,” Hammond said.

DA Williams emphasized that trafficking cases demand the same urgency and precision as other violent crimes, and that survivor protection must be central at every stage.

“We talk about shooters. We talk about robbers. But we don’t talk enough about the victimization of women and children,” Williams said. “I commend the New Orleans Police Department for working with real precision to make sure we have the evidence we need when twelve jurors decide the fate of these violent offenders.”

Williams also recognized the deep emotional toll of trafficking prosecutions and the professionals who carry that weight every day.

“This work is not easy—you take it home with you,” he said. “But beyond removing offenders from the street, the most important piece is reaching people who may have been victimized, who need intervention and services, so they don’t fall back into further harm.”

That survivor-first approach was echoed by OPDA Special Victims Unit Chief Michelle Jones, who underscored the power of collaboration in confronting human trafficking.

“These arrests prove that collaboration is our most effective weapon against modern-day slavery,” Jones said. “OPDA, NOPD, and all members of the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force are committed to protecting the vulnerable—especially as we highlight this mission during Human Trafficking Prevention Month. We will continue to leverage every resource at our disposal to ensure justice for survivors and a safer New Orleans for everyone.”

“Darkness meets light”: survivors at the center

Jennifer Bass, CEO of Eden Centers for Hope and Healing, called the arrests a turning point—and a beginning.

“This is what happens when darkness meets light,” Bass said. “Survivors face complex challenges—physical and mental health issues, housing instability, legal barriers. Recovery doesn’t happen in a straight line. But if you are a victim of human trafficking, please understand this: you have an army behind you. You are not alone.”

Representatives from Crime Stoppers and the New Orleans Family Justice Center echoed that message, urging survivors and witnesses to come forward safely and confidentially.

“This team is here for you,” said Crime Stoppers CEO Darlene Cusanza. “Anonymous tips matter. They work—and today’s arrests are proof of that.”

Mary Claire Landry, Director of the New Orleans Family Justice Center, emphasized access to care: “There are people willing and able to walk this journey with you. Please come for help.”

A call to survivors—and a commitment to keep going

Officials concluded with a unified message to survivors and those with information connected to this case.

“If you hear this, if you know these individuals, and if you were harmed—please come forward,” Williams said. “The people standing behind me are ready to help and are here to help. There is more to do, and there is more to come.”

Survivor Support and Resources

If you or someone you know has experienced human trafficking or exploitation, confidential help and support are available. The following organizations provide services, advocacy, and assistance:

Watch the Press Conference

The full press conference, including case details and remarks from OPDA, NOPD, and partner agencies, is available at the link below.

Press Conference Video