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19-year-old banned from Strawberry Festival, several electronic devices seized after viral video
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PONCHATOULA - The Ponchatoula Police Department said a 19-year-old was banned from the Strawberry Festival and had multiple electronic devices seized by police following an investigation into alleged threats made on TikTok.
Amari Sexton, 19, had his home searched after detectives received a tip that included a TikTok video of a subject dancing to rap lyrics with a caption referencing the Strawberry Festival.
The video has over 90,000 views, and officials said "numerous people have expressed concern that the song lyrics and hand gestures might be a threat."
Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson said Sexton is not under arrest at this time, but they're a person of interest in an investigation concerning threats against the festival. This is one of three possible threats that have been brought to the police department, which has received hundreds of complaints about the social media videos, he said.
Layrisson said the police department is being vigilant and taking all threats seriously after a shooting last year.
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