Jerod C. Prunty, 47, an aide to Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins, was arrested Saturday and charged with two counts of pandering, according to booking information from the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office.
His arrest is related to the arrest of eight others last week in connection with human sex trafficking, pandering and prostitution involving five Lafayette Parish massage parlors , according to John Mowell, public information officer with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office. An email has been sent with a link to confirm list signup. His arrest is deeply troubling. Jerod has been placed on administrative leave, pending investigation and adjudication.
The statement continued that Higgins' office will cooperate in the investigation and the congressman has faith in the judicial system. In January , Higgins was a cosponsor of legislation, the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign Authorization Act of , designed to help protect victims of human trafficking. One woman picked up in the Feb. One person arrested during the raid was charged with human trafficking.
Xufang Ou, 33, block of Guilbeau Road, Lafayette, was booked on a count of human trafficking and four counts of pandering. He is not being held in the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. On his personal Facebook page, which was taken down late Sunday morning, Prunty stated he works at the U. Congress and on his LinkedIn page identified himself as director of district operations for Higgins, who represents Louisiana's 3rd congressional district.
Prunty is a former St. Martin Parish deputy. Prunty's arrest comes three days after the massage parlor arrests, which followed a month investigation launched in response to numerous complaints from business owners and residents. In the Feb. Xia was arrested again Saturday and charged with prostitution by massage and massage parlor prohibited sexual conduct. Edit Article Add New Article. Toggle navigation. Jerod Prunty. There was an error processing your request.
