Thai restaurant owner faces charges against juveniles
The Thai owner of a popular "Thai Thai by Ricky" restaurant near Covington, busted on drug charges has now been booked with engaging in oral sex with juveniles, along with other sex-related offenses, authorities said.
Ricky Seubsanh, 55, had been under investigation for several months before his arrest last week for distributing illegal narcotics, the St Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office said.
According to the Times-Picayune online, he was booked on September 25 with three counts of cocaine distribution after investigators executed search warrants on his residence, car and his business, Thai Thai by Ricky, 1536 N. U.S. 190.
During the drug investigation, deputies seized the suspect's cell phone and found nude pictures of what appeared to be juveniles, prompting a new investigation, authorities said.
Detectives from the Sheriff's Office's Juvenile Division discovered Seubsanh solicited inappropriate photographs and sexual favours from several young victims, the agency said. During interviews with deputies, Ricky admitted soliciting the images and engaging in oral sex with the juvenile victims, according to Sheriff"s Office spokesman Sgt. Sean Beavers.
He was booked with five counts of molestation of juveniles, one count of indecent behavior with juveniles and one count of sexual battery, authorities said.
Detectives continue to interview potential victims with the assistance of the Child Advocacy Center. Seubsanh is being held on $250,000 bond, Beavers said. Additional charges may be forthcoming.
Ricky's reputation is one of a gregarious restaurateur who chats up diners, remembers their names and serves highly touted Thai soups, among other popular dishes. He is being held at St. Tammany Parish Jail, the online said.
