A former Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested following a five-month investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior with a minor, according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.
The investigation began in August 2025 when the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office received a complaint regarding a deputy assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau. An offense report was forwarded to the Criminal Investigation Bureau for further review.
During the initial stages of the investigation, Deputy Javien R. Etienne, 23 of Youngsville, was terminated. Command staff collected his commission card, duty weapons, and all other sheriff’s office-issued property.
Detectives conducted a thorough investigation, which included interviews with the victim, potential witnesses, collection of forensic evidence, and the execution of at least twelve search warrants. Evidence gathered led to the issuance of an arrest warrant by a judge of the Tenth Judicial District.
On Jan. 14, 2026, Etienne turned himself in to NPSO detectives at the Criminal Investigations Bureau. He was booked into the LaSalle Corrections/Natchitoches Detention Center and charged with one count of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. He was later released on a $75,000 bond pending his court appearance.
Sheriff Wright issued a statement emphasizing the department’s commitment to integrity and accountability:
“The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office holds its employees to the highest standards of conduct and professionalism. Any behavior that violates the law or undermines the trust placed in this office will not be tolerated. Our priority remains the safety of our community and the protection of our children.”
Etienne had been employed with the NPSO for less than one year. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details are being released to protect its integrity. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau at 318-357-7830.
