Louisiana Child Sex Offender Sentenced to Multiple Terms by Jury
A Louisiana jury convicted and then gave multiple long-term sentences to a child sex offender, according to the 16th Judicial District Attorney's Office.
What Is Known About The Case?
According to investigators and the 16th Judicial District Attorney Michael Haik's Office, an 11-year-old child told her mother that a man had sexually abused her.
The mother immediately reported the crimes to law enforcement, who promptly began investigating.
Law enforcement officials were able to find additional material supporting the child's claims of her abuse. The case then went through the judicial process.
What Did The Jury Decide?
An Iberia Parish jury convicted 47-year-old Jeff Bourque on the following charges:
- One count of First Degree Rape
- One count of Attempted First Degree Rape
- Two counts of Molestation of a Juvenile under the age of 13
What Was The Man's Sentences?
- Bourque was sentenced to life imprisonment at hard labor, which is the mandatory penalty someone can received when being convicted of First Degree Rape.
- Bourque was sentenced to 40 years at hard labor for the Attempted First Degree Rape conviction.
- Bourque was sentenced to 50 years at hard labor for each of the two counts of Molestation of a Juvenile under the age of 13.
District Attorney Michael Haik said in a press release,
I would especially like to commend Assistant District Attorneys Ashley Hammons and Brady Holtzclaw and New Iberia Police Detectives Gregory and Meyers for the exceptional job they did to bring justice for this girl and the community to ensure this predator is behind bars.
Officials Want Residents To Know Resources Are Available.
If you suspect sexual abuse or if you have been a victime, you should reach out and report it to law enforcement.
Residents should also know that Hearts of Hope has resources for sexual assault victims of all ages.
The 24-hour crisis line for Hearts of Hope is 337-233-7273.
