Louisiana man guilty in kidnapping of infant, beating, burning of ex-girlfriend

THIBODAUX, La. (WGNO) -- A Lafourche Parish District Attorney announced that a Galliano man was convicted by a Lafourche Parish jury of simple kidnapping, aggravated second-degree battery and domestic abuse battery by burning.

In October 2018, 25-year-old Joshua Simon and the victim ended their two-month relationship. While the victim was returning some of Simon's belongings, he took her infant child to force the victim into his home.

Once inside, Simon repeatedly beat the victim with belts and at one point burned the victim. The victim was eventually able to get away, and report the crime to law enforcement. Joshua Simon was arrested the same day.

During the jury selection process, Simon's disruptive behavior led to him being removed from the courtroom.

Joshua Simon will remain in law enforcement custody pending his sentencing in April.