Louisiana man found guilty of molestation, sexual battery of juvenile

COVINGTON, La. (WGNO) -- A St. Tammany Parish jury has found 44-year-old Jerry Vince, of Bogalusa, guilty of molestation of a juvenile under age 13 and sexual battery of a juvenile under age 13.

Vince faces 25 to 99 years in prison when he is sentenced on March 10, 2020.

In March 2018, the victim disclosed to a school counselor that she had been molested and sexually assaulted by the defendant. The counselor then notified the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and the victim's mother. The victim disclosed that the molestation and sexual assaults occurred for several years.

During trial, the state presented evidence from three other juveniles who had also been sexually assaulted by the defendant. “The defendant didn't stop at three victims, but today it stops with you,” Assistant District Attorney Blair Alford stated during closing statements. The jury voted 12-0 guilty on both charges.