By BEN LUNDIN

Staff Reporter

EDGARD – A 21-year-old male Edgard resident has been charged with molesting his 5-year-old female cousin following an incident at a mall in Edgard on Dec. 22.

The suspect allegedly put his hand in the five-year-old’s panties and groped her posterior before being caught in the act by his aunt, the victim’s mother, according to the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The victim received a medical examination at River Parish Hospital, but available doctors were unable to detect any signs of molestation. There is no other evidence in the case.

&#8220Right now it’s her word against his,” said Public Information Officer Mike Tregre.

Tregre said approximately four or five child molestation cases are reported in St. John Parish each year.