Arrest Report- February 3, 2026
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Gary Driskell advises that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff's Office responded to 108 complaints and reports the following arrests:
Josue Ruiz-Rodriguez, 22, Amelia, LA, was arrested on February 2, 2026, at 12:58 pm for human trafficking and computer-aided solicitation of a minor.
On February 22, 2025, deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence in Bayou Vista. The incident was handed over to detectives who opened an investigation into Ruiz-Rodriguez.
As the investigation progressed, detectives learned that Ruiz-Rodriguez had conducted himself inappropriately with a juvenile.
Further investigation of Ruiz-Rodriguez's phone led to the discovery of pornography involving juveniles. Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest on the charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile (2 counts), indecent behavior with juveniles (4 counts), and pornography involving juveniles (3 counts).
On March 18, detectives made contact with Ruiz-Rodriguez and transported him to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking.
Detectives continued to investigate after discovering more digital evidence. Eventually, a warrant was obtained for Rodriguez on the additional charges of computer-aided solicitation of a minor and human trafficking.
On February 2, 2026, a deputy made contact with Rodriguez and transported him to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking on said warrant.
Bail has not been set at this time.
Malik Q'Shaun Harrison, 21, Franklin, LA, was arrested on February 2, 2026, at 2:28 pm on the following charges:
- Maximum speed limit
- Driver must be licensed
- Proper equipment required on vehicles
- Possession of schedule I drug with intent to distribute
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of firearm in presence of CDS
- Possession of marijuana
- Contributing to delinquency of a juvenile
- Illegal possession of stolen firearms
Bail has not been set at this time.
Ja'vinnie Ja'brya Austin, 21, Centerville, LA, was arrested on February 2, 2026, at 2:40 pm on the following charges:
- Possession of schedule I drug with intent to distribute
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of marijuana
- Contributing to delinquency of a juvenile
Bail has not been set at this time.
NARCOTICS
Walter D. Howard, 39, Patterson, LA, was arrested on February 2, 2026, at 9:34 pm on the following charges:
- Two tail lights required
- Suspended license
- No insurance
- Possession of sch. I drugs
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Bail has not been set at this time.
Lt. David Spencer
Public Information Officer
St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office
