Nola Reporter

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans has announced charges against Daniel Wayne Callihan, a 37-year-old resident of Amite, Louisiana. Callihan faces two counts: kidnapping resulting in death and transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

The charges stem from an incident on June 13, 2024, when Callihan allegedly kidnapped two minors from Loranger, Louisiana, and transported them to Mississippi using a 2012 Chrysler 200. The actions reportedly resulted in the deaths of one minor and one adult victim.

Additionally, it is alleged that Callihan transported one of the minors with the intent for them to engage in illegal sexual activities as defined by both Louisiana and Mississippi laws.

For the first count, Callihan could face life imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, a fine up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. The second count carries a minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment and may require him to register as a sex offender if convicted.

Evans emphasized that these charges are accusations that must be proven beyond reasonable doubt. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child exploitation and abuse since May 2006.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with support from several law enforcement agencies including the United States Marshals Service and local police departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Sarah Dawkins are handling the prosecution.