A 24-year-old Alabama man is facing multiple charges in Louisiana following a joint investigation by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Landen Westfall, of Athens, Alabama, was arrested for allegedly engaging in cybercrimes against a Lafourche Parish teenager, including criminal assistance to suicide, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and possession of child pornography. The case highlights the growing dangers of online exploitation and the challenges law enforcement faces in protecting vulnerable youth in the digital age.
The investigation began in late October 2025, when juvenile detectives learned that a teenage girl had been communicating with Westfall and had shared nude images with him. Authorities allege that Westfall not only solicited these images but also encouraged the girl to self-harm. The initial contact between the two reportedly occurred through the online gaming platform Roblox, where players can interact via text chat during gameplay. This connection quickly escalated to other platforms and eventually included video calls, according to investigators.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office stated that Westfall allegedly became verbally abusive and threatening during these interactions, coercing the victim into acts of self-harm and, on two separate occasions, allegedly encouraging her to complete her life. The severity of the allegations prompted a collaborative effort involving the FBI’s Birmingham Field Office and the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama to gather evidence and secure a warrant for Westfall’s arrest.
Westfall was initially taken into custody in Alabama on February 9, 2026, and subsequently transported to Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, where he is currently being held on a $750,000 bond. He has been booked on two counts of criminal assistance to suicide, 261 counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile, and 15 counts of pornography involving a juvenile, according to booking records from Lafourche Parish. Recently Booked confirms these charges.
Online Gaming as a Predatory Avenue
Sheriff Craig Webre emphasized the need for parental vigilance regarding children’s online activities. “If you are going to allow your child to use the internet or games where they can interact with strangers, you must grab an active role in monitoring their activity,” Sheriff Webre said. “Talk with your children about the dangers of online predators and be sure you have access to all their accounts, even games. You must also educate yourself on popular ways that children endeavor to hide information, photos or video on devices. Having such access is not an invasion of your child’s privacy – it’s being a responsible parent.”
Sheriff Webre specifically warned about the potential for exploitation even on platforms designed for children. “Also remember that things created for kids – such as Roblox – can sometimes be exploited by predators,” he stated. “Just because something is ‘made for kids’ doesn’t mean you should blindly trust it.”
Federal Investigation Continues
The FBI’s investigation is ongoing, and federal charges are still possible. David R. Fitzgibbons, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Birmingham, underscored the importance of interagency cooperation in combating cybercrime. “Crime knows no boundaries, and neither should we. Through strong partnerships and seamless collaboration, we unite to protect our children online and provide our law enforcement partners with the technical expertise and tools necessary to safeguard every community,” Fitzgibbons said. “Together, we are stronger, smarter, and more relentless in our pursuit of justice.”
Authorities are urging parents to familiarize themselves with the dangers of cybercrime and to utilize resources available to help protect their children. More information can be found at www.LPSO.net/Cybercrime.
The investigation into Westfall’s activities continues, and further details are expected to emerge as the FBI pursues potential federal charges. The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks children face online and the critical need for proactive parental involvement and robust law enforcement collaboration to address these evolving threats.
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