Dusty Gates: BeHIND The Veil

UNION PARISH- Behind the Veil  

On February 26, 2026, I received an anonymous tip regarding a concerning situation involving Union Parish Sheriff Dusty Gates and Christopher Blake Simpson, an inmate housed at the Union Parish Correctional Center who is facing charges involving serious crimes against children.

The tip alleged that Sheriff Gates allowed Simpson to participate in a closed door meeting in the Sheriff’s office with a minor (not the victim), despite a protective order reportedly being in place.

Because the allegation involved both a minor and a pending criminal case, I did not immediately publish the information. Instead, I began documenting the situation and attempting to verify the claim.

Additionally, I escalated these reports to the appropriate authorities. 

March 4, 2026

I met directly with Sheriff Gates in his office.

At the start of the meeting, I asked whether he would commit to a relationship of accountability and transparency with the Community Accountability Network. He stated that he would.

At the end of our conversation, I asked him directly if he was aware of a closed door meeting between himself, Christopher Blake Simpson, and a minor, despite a protective order reportedly being in place.

After a period of silence, Sheriff Gates responded that he did not know anything about such a meeting.

Two witnesses were present during this conversation.

-Additional Sources

Since that meeting, I have received several independent sources providing consistent accounts describing the same alleged event.

Because multiple sources are now reporting the same information, and because the allegation involves a minor and the handling of a serious criminal case, I believe the public deserves to be aware that these concerns exist.

For the protection of the minor involved, no identifying details will be shared publicly.

-March 11, 2026

I became aware that a court hearing related to this matter is scheduled for Friday, March 13 at 9:00 AM.

I plan to be present for this hearing. 

-Call for Investigation

Due to the seriousness of these allegations, I am urging the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding this alleged meeting, including the actions of both the inmate and any public officials involved.

If these allegations are unfounded, the investigation will confirm that.

If they are accurate, the public deserves transparency and accountability.

Either way, the truth matters.

More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Photo obtained from UPSO website