By LEONARD GRAY

Managing Editor

LAPLACE – A Lake Charles man, and former resident of LaPlace, was booked this week with the molestation of a 10-year-old LaPlace girl.

The man, whose name was not released to protect the victim’s identity, was charged by the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office with indecent behavior with a juvenile and molestation of a juvenile.

Maj. Michael Tregre of the sheriff’s office reported that the child told a family friend, who informed the girls’ mother, who had her examined by a physician, from where detectives were notified.

According to Tregre, the man, a close friend of the family, was babysitting the girl while her mother was working. He allegedly gave the child $10 or $11 to dance nude for him as he fondled her.

The incident reportedly occurred on Jan. 22. A warrant was issued on Feb. 23 and the Lake Charles Police Department apprehended him. He was returned to St. John Parish on Feb. 28, posted a $35,000 bond and was released from custody, awaiting trial.

He did not offer any statement or confession to investigators, Tregre said.