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LAPLACE — Two local men, including one St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office employee, were arrested for child pornography charges Wednesday in an investigation headed by the Attorney General’s Office.

Avo Barkev Marzwanian, 34, of LaPlace was arrested for pornography involving juveniles under the age of 13 – 10 counts of distribution and 20 counts of possession, according to the AG’s Office and the St. John the Baptist Parish prison roster. He is also charged with violating LA. R.S. 14:89.3 – sexual abuse of an animal (15 counts).

Marzwanian was rebooked Thursday on a $300,000 bond (no 10 percent) for pornography involving juveniles and a $75,000 bond (no 10 percent) for pornography involving juveniles.

The arrest resulted from a joint investigation by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation Cyber Crime Unit and the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office. Marzwanian was booked into the St. John the Baptist Parish Detention Center.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office public information officer confirmed Thursday morning that Marzwanian is no longer employed by the SJSO. Before being terminated in relation to the investigation, he was a sergeant who was employed with the St. John Sheriff’s Office for 12 years.

Marzwanian was one of nine senior road officers with the SJSO to graduate this summer from the Field Training Officers program.

Joseph Guillory, 35, of LaPlace was also arrested Wednesday and charged with pornography involving juveniles under the age of 13 (50 counts of possession). His bond was unspecified as of the time of this report.

The arrest resulted from a joint investigation by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation Cyber Crime Unit and the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office. Guillory was booked into the St. John the Baptist Parish Detention Center.

Sheriff Mike Tregre said the Attorney General’s Office is leading this investigation. L’OBSERVATEUR will update this story as more information becomes available.

“Crimes against children are among the most heinous acts imaginable. My office and I will continue doing everything we legally can to find and arrest child predators throughout our State,” said General Landry. “I am grateful for our law enforcement partners who assist us in protecting Louisiana’s children. Together, we will make our State a safer place.”