Erath Man Indicted for Kidnapping and Counterfeiting

LAKE CHARLES - On October 21, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Devin Gene Book, 50, of Erath, with kidnapping both a minor and an adult and with multiple counts of counterfeiting and forgery. If convicted on all charges, Book faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years and up to life in federal prison for the charges.

The indictment alleges that between April 16-17, 2026, Book kidnapped a child and an adult victim, transporting them across state lines. The indictment further alleges that Book produced and passed counterfeit United States currency at locations in Louisiana and elsewhere.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service. and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren L. Nickel and Holly Y. Paillet, with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is 2:26-cr-317.

###

CONTACT:
Public Affairs
(337) 262-6704
[email protected]
www.justice.gov/usao-wdla