A suspect in a Washington Parish child sex crimes case is now in Louisiana after authorities in New Mexico approved an extradition order.
Benjamin Hart was transported to the Washington Parish Jail in Franklinton on Friday, nine months after he was arrested on sexual battery, indecent behavior, and child trafficking charges stemming from the Louisiana case.
According to investigators, Hart, a truck driver from New Hampshire, met his victim in 2022 through Xbox Live while playing online video games. Authorities also say they learned through their investigation that Hart had an existing case involving multiple juveniles pending against him in his home state.
Federal marshals arrested Hart in New Mexico in April 2023. Hart contested extradition, but a judge granted Washington Parish authorities' request following a competency hearing earlier this month.
Detectives urge anyone with information about Hart or anyone who may be a victim of his to call the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office and speak to Detective Chad Cassard.