Homer men, identified as twin brothers, have been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation into alleged sexual offenses involving juveniles, according to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began on April 24, 2026, after the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services regarding allegations of sexual abuse.

Detectives launched an investigation and learned that the two brothers had previously been involved in a relationship with an adult female whose juvenile children later disclosed allegations of sexual abuse involving the men.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, investigators gathered information from a primary care physician who reported that the juveniles exhibited signs of learned behavior consistent with sexual abuse. The physician reportedly directed the children’s mother to seek assistance through the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) while the allegations were being investigated.

Detectives also obtained information from a state-mandated reporter regarding disclosures made by the juveniles. As part of the investigation, both juvenile victims were interviewed at the Gingerbread House Children’s Advocacy Center in Shreveport. During those forensic interviews, authorities said both children made disclosures alleging sexual abuse.

Following the investigation, arrest warrants were issued May 7, 2026, by a judge of Louisiana’s 2nd Judicial District Court.

Authorities identified the suspects as:

Tommy Eugene Merritt, also known as “Junior,” of Homer, who was charged with:
First Degree Rape of a Juvenile
Two counts of Molestation of a Juvenile

Tommy Earl Merritt of Homer, who was charged with:
First Degree Rape of a Juvenile

Deputies served the arrest warrants on both men at their Homer residence on May 7. According to the Sheriff’s Office, both suspects were taken into custody without incident.

The men were subsequently transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, where they were booked on the listed charges and remain incarcerated.

The charges listed in this article are allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. An arrest or criminal charge is merely an accusation and should not be considered evidence of guilt.