AMY SZPARA

LAPLACE – A LaPlace man was arrested Monday morning for purchasing alcohol and drugs for two 14-year-old boys, both friends of his son, and later molesting the teens. Douglas Hotard, 40, 1301 W. Airline Highway, LaPlace, was booked with one count of illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile, one count of unlawful purchase of an alcoholic beverage for a juvenile, one count of molestation of a juvenile and one count of oral sexual battery. According to Lt. Michael Tregre of the St. John Sheriff’s Office, the boys were from Westwego and Marrero, and both had been visiting Hotard’s 14-year-old son when the abuses occurred. The first incident took place when one of the boys was in LaPlace last month. Tregre said Hotard purchased alcohol and marijuana for the boy, then had oral sex with him. A week ago, the other boy was in LaPlace and a similar situation took place, said Tregre. Hotard bought the boy drugs and alcohol. After falling asleep, the boy awoke to find Hotard touching his private parts through his clothing. Both boys remained silent because of the embarrassment they felt, but when the two confided in one another, they learned they had faced similar abuses at the hands of Hotard. “This weekend, the boys were talking to each other about going to LaPlace, and they told each other about what had happened to them,” said Tregre. When they realized they had both suffered sexual abuse, the two chose to tell. The boys decided to tell their parents about what had happened to them, and their parents came forward and filed a complaint in St. John Parish with the sheriff’s office. According to Tregre, Hotard was arrested on the charges and confessed. Though he could not recall all details due to the alcohol and drugs hampering his ability to remember, he admitted he had been inappropriate with the boys on the two occasions. Hotard’s bond was set at $95,000 by 40th Judicial District Judge Mary Hotard Becnel. He is being held at the Sherman R. Walker Correctional Center in LaPlace. If convicted of molestation of a juvenile, Hotard could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. In addition, if he is convicted of oral sexual battery, Hotard could get up to 15 years in prison.