Arrests made in separate sex abuse investigations involving juveniles

Published 4:08 pm Friday, January 7, 2022

LAPLACE —  — A Metairie man and a LaPlace man were recently arrested in connection to separate sex abuse investigations involving juveniles in St. John the Baptist Parish, police reported this week.

Joshua Bowen, 26, of Metairie, was arrested December 28, 2021 in connection to sexual abuse of a child.

Bowen

On May 20, 2021, detectives began an investigation into allegations that Bowen had sexual contact with a 13-year-old female in St. John Parish. Through investigation, detectives collected evidence that Bowen had sexual contact with the female.

Based on investigation, detectives obtained a judicial warrant for Bowen’s arrest. Bowen was made aware of the warrant for his arrest and refused any attempt to turn himself in to law enforcement.

With assistance from U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force, Bowen was located and arrested December 21, 2021 in Jefferson Parish. On December 28, 2021, he was transported and booked into Sherman Walker Correctional Facility. Bowen was charged with oral sexual battery (felony) (sex offense – registration required); felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile (felony) (sex offense– registration required); and computer aided solicitation for sexual purposes (felony) (sex offense– registration required).

Bowen is being held in custody in lieu of a $70,000 bond with no 10%.

Meanwhile, Kerry Lamont Jones, 40, of LaPlace was arrested Thursday, January 6, 2022 for rape and sexual battery of a female juvenile.

Jones

On December 26, 2021, detectives began investigating a complaint that Jones had inappropriate sexual contact with a female juvenile. As authorities investigated the allegations, family members reported Jones as missing on December 28, 2021.

Based on evidence obtained during the investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Jones’ arrest. On January 6, 2022, officers with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office in Mississippi located Jones. He was transported back to St. John Parish, where he admitted to his crimes.

Jones was charged with simple rape, sexual battery (felony), and first degree rape. Jones is being held in custody in lieu of a $145,000 bond – no 10%.