Lake Charles, Louisiana — The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) arrested a Lake Charles man on charges of aggravated crimes against nature after a high school student reported ongoing sexual abuse.

On May 20, detectives from the CPSO responded to a complaint involving crimes against nature, a legal term in Louisiana that refers to certain sexual offenses. The detectives were dispatched to a local high school, where the victim, a student, reported that she had been sexually abused by a family member since around 2017. The individual accused was identified as Gerard O. Bazile, 22, of Lake Charles, Louisiana. The victim disclosed the details of the abuse to authorities, leading to an immediate investigation.

Upon questioning, Bazile confirmed the allegations made against him, according to the sheriff’s office. Following his admission, Bazile was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. He faces a charge of aggravated crimes against nature, which under Louisiana law can carry severe penalties due to the seriousness of the offense and the involvement of a minor.

Judge Tony Fazzio has set Bazile’s bond at $1.5 million. As of this report, the investigation remains active, with CPSO Special Victims Unit Detective Chassie Huval serving as the lead investigator.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.