Beauregard Parish, Louisiana - A former Calcasieu Parish law enforcement officer is facing serious criminal charges after a woman accused him of rape at his Ragley home earlier this month.
Joshua Butter was arrested Oct. 28 by the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office following an investigation into allegations that he forcefully raped a woman on Oct. 14, according to reports from the agency.
The alleged victim told deputies that Butter had invited her to his residence, where she believed they would watch television together. Instead, she reported that he held her down and sexually assaulted her, authorities said.
The woman came forward to report the assault on Oct. 20, six days after the alleged incident occurred. Following the report, investigators launched a criminal investigation that led to Butter's arrest eight days later.
Butter previously served as a law enforcement officer with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office before later working as a jailer for the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office. He was terminated from his position several years ago, though the specific circumstances surrounding his termination were not disclosed.
Following his arrest, Butter was transferred to the Vernon Parish jail, where officials indicated he would be housed for safety reasons.
The former officer now faces two felony charges: first-degree rape and false imprisonment with confinement or detention.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.