A 42-year-old man, Orry Mejia, is facing multiple s**ual battery and indecent behavior charges after a parent discovered what she believed were s**ual messages between her daughter and Mejia on the teen’s phone. This discovery led to an investigation and Mejia’s arrest in May 2026.
The Discovery and Investigation
In 2024, the parent found the messages and immediately contacted authorities. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office was notified in 2025, and detectives initially determined there wasn’t enough probable cause to make an arrest. However, new details were later revealed by the victim, leading to the issuance of a warrant for Mejia’s arrest.
A Pattern of Child-Exploitation Investigations
This case is part of a larger pattern of child-exploitation investigations unfolding in the Northshore area. State and local agencies have been collaborating on long-term operations targeting online grooming and other forms of child exploitation.
In February 2026, a sting operation in Lacombe coordinated by the FBI, state police, and local law enforcement, uncovered more instances of such online crimes.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Mejia was booked on May 1, 2026, at the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center. He faces two felony counts of s**ual battery, one misdemeanor count of s**ual battery, and two counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile. His bond was set at $75,000, which he posted for release while awaiting further proceedings.
Prosecutors will determine whether to file formal charges, and an initial court date will be set. At this stage, the charges remain allegations, and Mejia is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
How to Report Tips
Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office or submit a tip through their website. The sheriff’s office maintains an online inmate roster and additional resources for reporting.
