Sheriff seeking suspect in rape

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 20, 2006

LAPLACE- St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for help in locating Kenneth Joseph Bernard to be brought in on a warrant to face forcible rape charges in the parish.

Bernard allegedly raped a LaPlace woman at her residence on October 26 and then proceeded to steal jewelry and a large amount of cash from her home, according to SJSO reports.

He is wanted for forcible rape, possession of stolen property, theft over $500 and theft by fraud.

Bernard was last seen driving a 2006 black Suzuki Verona 4-door vehicle with TX license plate 392JVP.

Bernard is a native of New Orleans but has also resided in Luling and Galliano, Louisiana and Dallas, Texas.

He is described as a black male, age 37 with a thin build. He is 5 feet, 11 inches, 205 pounds with a medium complexion, brown hair, and black eyes.

The investigator on the case is Detective Christie Murden.

Anyone with information that will lead to the capture and arrest of Kenneth Joseph Bernard is asked to contact the SJSO at 985-652-9513 ext. 171