Louisiana Couple Arrested for Allegedly Physically Abusing a 5-year-old Girl and Possessing Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia Accessible to the Child

Sulphur, Louisiana – A Louisiana couple was arrested for allegedly physically abusing a 5-year-old girl and possessing methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia accessible to the child in their home.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) reported on February 23, 2023, that on February 13, detectives were dispatched after receiving a complaint about probable abuse of a 5-year-old.

During the investigation, the child was sent to a nearby hospital for examination. Investigators discovered extensive bruising on the victim’s buttocks, as well as bruises on her cheeks and eyelids. Police discovered that the physical assault was allegedly committed by John B. Baham, 30, of Sulphur, Louisiana. Methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia were also discovered in the home, in a location directly accessible to the child.

Baham, a registered sex offender, was arrested and put into the Calcasieu Correctional Center on charges of cruelty to juveniles, CDS II possession, and two counts of drug paraphernalia possession.
His bond was set at $552,500 by Judge Tony Fazzio.

Further investigation revealed that Kellie, M. Turner, 30, also of Sulphur, Louisiana witnessed Baham pysically abusing the victim on multiple occasions and failed to disclose the abuse to law enforcement. Turner also informed deputies that she was in possession of the methamphetamines discovered in the home.
Turner was arrested and put into the Calcasieu Correctional Center on February 22 and charged with cruelty to juveniles, possession of CDS II, and illegal use of CDS in the presence of a person under the age of 17. Her bond was set at $157,000 by Judge Tony Fazzio.
Baham was convicted in Calcasieu Parish of carnal knowledge of a juvenile in 2011 and indecent behavior with a juvenile in 2014.

The Department of Children and Family Services took custody of the child.

Detective Cory Myers of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is the case’s principal investigator.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.