vermilion parish

A former Vermilion Parish Sheriff's deputy has been convicted on multiple sex crime charges involving children, including two counts of first degree rape, sexual battery, and molestation. The three juveniles, including two who are sisters, testified at the trial in Abbeville, Louisiana.

The former Kaplan officer has been booked on multiple charges, including filing a false public record, malfeasance in office, and aggravated battery.

The Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office is working with local emergency responders to put out a fire that has gotten out of control in Erath.

Chief Joshua Hardy of Kaplan said Terry Wayne Leopold Kraut Jr., 35, is no longer employed with the department after his arrest.

Continued discussions about school safety have led to changes in campus layout and access. Those changes are likely to continue.

Investigations into this matter are still underway, according to law enforcement officials.

The Louisiana Department of Education has named 24 students as finalists in the state's annual Students of the Year competition.

Some storms, including those capable of producing tornadoes, may have an impact as schools dismiss Wednesday.