Charges against mother and son accused of sex trafficking dropped

Published 2:55 pm Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Charges have been dismissed against a Sulphur mother and son arrested in March for sex trafficking.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office previously told the American Press it opened an investigation against Jennifer Dixon and Joshua Dixon II in June 2023 in reference to a possible carnal knowledge of a juvenile case. Joshua was accused of having a sexual relationship with a juvenile under the age of 16 and harboring her at his residence. Jennifer was accused of helping her son harbor the victim — who had been reported missing — for sexual purposes.

On March 7, Joshua and the juvenile were located in Montana by the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force, at which time he was arrested and booked.  The same day Jennifer was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center.

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Both were charged with trafficking of children for sexual purposes and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles by performing sexual acts.

Jennifer Dixon’s attorney, Todd Clemons, said his client was falsely accused.

“Joshua — who is 18 years old — was dating a 16-year-old girl,” Clemons said. “His job transferred him, temporarily, to work in Montana. His girlfriend voluntarily went with him. They had been dating for over a year when both were juveniles.”

Clemons said Joshua was dating the 16-year-old with his mother’s full knowledge.

“Her arrest on these fabricated charges was widely broadcasted in the local news media and all over social media,” Clemons said. “Her good name — that she had built a lifetime acquiring — was tarnished instantly. These charges invoke the image of a sexual predator that preys on children.”

Clemons said Jennifer spent two weeks in jail before she was released on a $825,000 bond set by Judge Tony Fazzio.

“Additionally, Ms. Dixon’s family had to pay over $7,500 in bonding fees prior to her release,” he said. “There was no credible evidence to prove that she committed these crimes.”

Joshua and Jennifer’s charges have been dismissed by the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office.

“Human trafficking is vile and reprehensible. It is imperative that law enforcement remain professional, objective and fair in exercising their enormous power,” Clemons said. “They cannot be influenced by narratives driven by the news media nor by public opinion.”