Mansfield Man Arrested In Huge Child Porn Bust

– A joint investigation conducted by Louisiana State Police Region II detectives, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police, led to the arrest of a 61-year-old Mansfield man as a result of an on-line investigation. The investigation was conducted under the Louisiana State Police Operation Child Watch initiative, a joint multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement operation targeting sexual predators that exploit and victimize children. This investigation has evolved into one of the largest child pornography cases ever investigated in the state of Louisiana.

Investigators suspected child pornography was being downloaded to a computer located at a Mansfield residence owned by Gregory Blackburn (W/M, age 61). Yesterday, troopers arrested Blackburn after executing a search warrant at his home and discovering several hard drives containing thousands of images of child pornography that had been downloaded from the internet. Currently, Blackburn is suspected to be the most prolific trader of child pornography in the state of Louisiana.

While at the residence, troopers also found a Psilocybin mushroom lab which was fully operational. Blackburn was later booked into the DeSoto Parish Jail on charges of pornography involving juveniles and possession of Schedule I drugs. Blackburn is being held without bond.

The Louisiana State Police remains committed to investigating and arresting those who sexually exploit and victimize innocent children. Through Operation Child Watch, troopers will continue to work in cooperation other law enforcement agencies to actively pursue child predators and ensure the safety of our children.