Lafayette Parish, La (1/30/2026) — A man arrested for third time on human trafficking charge now faces new allegations in Lafayette Parish.
Louisiana State Police said detectives with the Special Victims Unit opened an investigation in January 2026 involving online platforms used to connect families with nannies.
Detectives said the investigation led to the arrest of 35-year-old Rutledge Deas IV. Investigators determined Deas allegedly posed as someone seeking a nanny to care for a person with special needs.
After making contact through an online platform, detectives said the victim was directed to a residence in Lafayette. Once there, Deas allegedly portrayed himself as the special needs individual. He then required the victim to perform tasks consistent with infant and toddler care, including diaper changes.
Louisiana State Police said Deas was arrested on January 29, 2026. He was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on one count of LA R.S. 14:46.2, Human Trafficking.
Investigators said Deas was previously arrested on the same charge in November 2019 and December 2021. Troopers said those cases were similar in nature.
The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives said additional victims are possible. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim is urged to contact investigators at 504-310-7012.
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