Stanley Burkhardt, a former detective who made a name for himself investigating child sexual abuse cases, is once again behind bars. He is accused of violating his parole by removing the electronic monitor placed on him. Burkhardt, who previously confessed to molesting minors while serving as a law enforcement officer, was arrested in mid-July. He was brought into New Orleans criminal court on Tuesday, still wearing an orange jail jumpsuit and leg shackles.
Burkhardt’s checkered history includes a conviction for child sexual assault. It features the investigations that deem him a likely serial killer. In 2011, after a trial, a federal judge ruled that Burkhardt met the legal definition of a sexually dangerous person. As a consequence, he was sent to a high-security federal penitentiary in Butner, North Carolina. This correction extended until August 14, 2024, at which point he was released under stringent terms designed to avoid future crimes.
Once released, Burkhardt was placed under extensive restrictions. You need to stay at least 100 feet from playgrounds, schools, and other facilities where children commonly congregate. Plus, stay away from sites that facilitate hook-ups. He is accused of breaching these conditions just days later.
In 2019, Louisiana state police alleged that Burkhardt had violated his parole. They alleged that he used a personal email address and username to post graphic sexual comments on photographs of minors on a photo-sharing site. This incident did lead to serious questions about his ability to comply with the terms of the restrictive probation imposed on him.
On April 9, 2024, Burkhardt was moved to a New Orleans-area halfway house after his release from Butner. He seemed to fit seamlessly into his new environment. Shortly after, he took a job as a clerk at a local Robért Fresh Market store. Yet despite the fact that no crime had occurred, law enforcement officers were still checking on his parole conditions. They discovered even more violations, which abruptly ended his employment.
Burkhardt is now charged with one count of unlawful use of social media by a sex offender. Moreover, he is charged with at least two counts of failing to give the information needed to be an independent contractor under the law. His attorney, public defender Tessa Silverman, has refused to speak on the still-unfolding case.
Judging from his behavior at a recent court proceeding, Burkhardt was clearly focused on the issues of spirituality and introspection. He stated, “still in prayer regarding conversation with” while addressing concerns about his situation, indicating a continued focus on seeking solace amid legal challenges.
Additionally, an online user posted a comment referencing Burkhardt’s situation: “Thinking and praying about it,” hinting at the community’s mixed sentiments regarding his return to the public sphere.
Burkhardt had earlier pleaded guilty to receipt and distribution of child abuse imagery. He was found guilty of molesting a nine-year-old girl who was closely related to him by marriage. These admissions have fueled just how severe the legal scrutiny has become around him.
In light of Burkhardt’s recent arrest, prosecutors have dismissed one particular case against him. They settled on this decision due to the growing contradictions in his legal fight. He has entered not guilty pleas on all the current charges. If convicted, under Louisiana law he could be sentenced to a maximum of ten years behind bars.