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By Pamela Sleezer

American Press

 

Three Rosepine residents are facing charges of sex trafficking a minor and bonds of more than $3 million in connection with the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 13, according to Vernon Parish authorities.

Everett D. West, 41, Dina Guidry, 56, and Bobby Allen Tisdale, 38, were arrested Nov. 1 and charged with a slew of offenses ranging from human trafficking to first-degree rape in relation to the alleged sexual trafficking of a child that occurred over a span of four years.

“The victim disclosed to detectives, DCFS workers, and a pediatric physician that the abuse had been ongoing and involved several individuals who engaged in sexual contact with her from the age of 8 to 11,” Craft said.

Craft said the victim also indicated the suspects engaged “in the rampant use” of illegal narcotics within the home.

He said it is the belief of detectives investigating the case that the sexual contact with the child was provided to individuals in exchange for monetary benefits or illegal narcotics.

According to Craft, the victim told detectives that Guidry had been present in the room on numerous occasions while she was being sexually assaulted.

Statements obtained by detectives from other adults indicated that Tisdale had offered the child to them for the purpose of sexual contact.

Detectives said that there were three children including the victim living in the home at the time of alleged sexual abuse, and that the victim reported incidents of physical abuse against herself and the other children had also taken place. Craft said all the children had been removed by the Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services, and had been relocated to a safe environment as of Tuesday.

West was charged with one count of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, first-degree rape of a victim under the age of 13, and indecent behavior with a juvenile. His bond was set at $400,000.

Tisdale was charged with human trafficking, four counts of first-degree rape of a victim under the age of 13, improper supervision of a minor by a parent or guardian, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, and indecent behavior with a juvenile. His bond was set at $3,100,000.

Craft said the investigation remains active, and he and detectives believe there may be more people who were offered access to the child for illicit purposes. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Det. Jeff Price at 337-238-1311 or 337-238-7248.

“The investigation into the systemic abuse of this child is ongoing and additional arrests are expected. The safety and well-being of our young citizens is of the utmost importance. We will continue to diligently investigate, arrest, and seek prosecution for those responsible for these types of reprehensible crimes,” Craft said.