By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

RESERVE — A convicted sex offender living in Reserve was arrested this week and charged with sexual crimes against a young boy.

St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Juandell Young, 33, of 147 W. 14th St. in Reserve Thursday during a scheduled meeting with sex offender deputies.

Sheriff Mike Tregre said the mother of an 8-year-old boy brought her son to the hospital for medical attention Oct. 13 and reported to a Sheriff’s Office deputy Young had inappropriately touched her son.

Tregre said the boy was examined and released from the hospital.

“Physically, he will be OK,” Tregre said, adding “after a thorough investigation,” detectives obtained a court-ordered arrest warrant for Young.

Tregre said the victim’s version of events was consistent with collected evidence, and he is confident there is a strong enough case against Young to lead to a conviction.

Tregre said in efforts to maintain the anonymity of the young victim, the connection or relationship between Young and the victim would not be discussed.

Young was arrested and booked with sexual battery and two counts of violation of registered sex offender law.

His bond was set at $60,000 by Judge Sterling Snowdy, and as of press time he remained incarcerated. Authorities said Young has been arrested eight times in St. John Parish since late 2000. Young was charged with indecent behavior with a juvenile in 2011.