Monroe man arrested for allegedly having intimate relationship with 15-year-old minor

MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) — On February 16, 2024, the Monroe Police Department began an investigation in reference to a computer aided crime against a juvenile. The incident occurred on Chester Street and it involved a 15-year-old juvenile.

According to authorities, officers reportedly obtained a search warrant to confiscate the juvenile’s cell phone. After a forensic download of the phone was issued, officials reportedly uncovered evidence that the victim was allegedly in an intimate relationship with 38-year-old Lionel Ard.

After identifying Ard in a photo lineup, the juvenile reportedly admitted to knowing the suspect as “L.A.” and allegedly confirmed that they were in a relationship with Ard. Officers allegedly found various photos and explicit text. The victim reportedly admitted that one of the photos was taken inside Ard’s apartment.

The suspect allegedly confirmed she went to Ard’s apartment three times, one of which they engaged in sexual intercourse. Ard was arrested on July 19, 2024, and booked into the

Ouachita Correctional Center on the following charges with:

• Computer-aided Solicitation of a Minor
• Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile