Houma Man Indicted for Receiving Child Pornography

A 68-year-old Houma man is facing federal charges after being indicted on counts of receiving child pornography, stemming from a years-old investigation that began with a raid on his home. Thomas Broussard was arrested January 23, 2018, by agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, who seized digital devices containing graphic images of prepubescent children being sexually exploited.

Found among Broussard’s possessions were a laptop computer and a thumb drive, both loaded with illegal material depicting the sexual victimization of young children. The discovery prompted a federal probe that has now culminated in a formal indictment handed down by a U.S. District Court. Authorities say the evidence was uncovered during a targeted operation based on digital forensics and interagency coordination.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans confirmed the indictment today, emphasizing that while the charges are serious, the justice system requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt. “This is not a conviction,” Evans stated. “It is a formal accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

If convicted, Thomas Broussard faces a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison, with a maximum sentence of up to 20 years behind bars. Upon any potential release, he could be subject to a lifetime of court-ordered supervision. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000.00.

The case was pursued under Project Safe Childhood, a federal initiative launched in May 2006 to dismantle networks of child sexual exploitation. Spearheaded by the Department of Justice, the program combines federal, state, and local law enforcement to track down offenders and rescue victims. More information is available at https://www.justice.gov/psc.

U.S. Attorney Evans credited the collaborative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office for their roles in the investigation. The prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, who serves as both Fraud Section Chief and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

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