TERREBONNE PARISH, La. — A Thibodaux man in connection with an ongoing sex crimes investigation in Terrebonne Parish.
Wayne D. Bennett, 63, was arrested on numerous sexually motivated charges, stemming from the investigation.
“On September 16, Deputies of the Patrol Division responded to a report of sexual abuse allegations involving several juvenile male subjects, at a local Terrebonne residence,” said Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet in a press release.
According to the sheriff, deputies spoke with family members of the victims and said the victims identified Wayne D. Bennett as the suspect, who they described as a close family friend.
“During the course of the initial investigation, the victims described several locations inside and outside of Terrebonne Parish where the abuse occurred, including a different state,” said the sheriff.
The TPSO Special Victim’s Unit was brought in to investigate the incidents, and a joint investigation was started with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations, in response to the allegations.
Through the investigation, the SVU was able to document multiple victims and identify several locations within Terrebonne Parish where the abuse allegedly happened.
Bennett was arrested last September 23, at a home in Florida by Federal Authorities.
“As always, we ask for patience and privacy for the victims and family. I am extremely passionate about protecting the children of our community, and this type of behavior will not be tolerated. Our Detectives are continuing to work hand in hand with our public safety partners to bring a resolution to this unfortunate investigation, and I would like to personally thank each agency for their dedication to this investigation," said Sheriff Soignet.
Below is a list of his charges, he is being held without bond in the Terrebonne Parish jail.
- First-Degree Rape (7 counts)
- Third-Degree Rape, Sexual Battery (12 counts)
- Indecent behavior with a juvenile (7 counts)
- Oral sexual battery (6 counts)
- Molestation of a juvenile (2 counts)
- Trafficking of children for sexual purposes (13 counts)
- Contributing to the delinquency of Juvenile (2 counts)
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