The St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office has arrested an 18-year-old on rape charges.
Detectives have identified three victims, ranging in age from 11 to 13, which the subject targeted through mutual acquaintances and via the popular social media application – Snapchat.
18-year-old, Ryheim Ross of Covington was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on one count of First Degree Rape.
It was during this investigation, however, that detectives learned of two additional victims, ages 12 and 13 at the time of the crime. Ross was rebooked on additional charges.
While interviewing witnesses during their investigation, detectives also uncovered evidence which led to Ross being booked on one count of Domestic Abuse Battery in March 2021 in connection with injuries he caused to his live-in adult girlfriend.
Given the nature of the crimes and the fact that Ross was targeting his victims via mutual acquaintances and thru social media, detectives have reason to believe there may be more victims out there. If you, your child or someone you know may be a victim of Ross, please call Sergeant Ryan Suhre at (985) 726-7839.
Sheriff Smith tells parents to please be vigilant and if you have young children using social media, carefully monitor their content to protect them from being victimized.
