Lake Charles, Louisiana – A case of child sex abuse has led to the arrest of a 32-year-old Lake Charles, Louisiana man, who now also has additional charges of trafficking filed against him. Andrew A. Taraba was first taken into custody by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) on September 5, after deputies responded to a report of a missing juvenile.
During the investigation, detectives learned that Taraba, a family member of the victim, had been allegedly sexually abusing the girl. When questioned by detectives, Taraba confirmed the allegations, leading to his arrest and booking into the Calcasieu Correctional Center.
Taraba was initially charged with 1st degree rape of a victim under 13 and sexual battery of a victim under 13. Judge Kendrick Guidry set his bond at $800,000. However, the investigation continued, revealing that Taraba had offered to pay the victim during two incidents and provided money to her after one incident. These findings led to additional charges of trafficking of children for sexual purposes being filed against Taraba on September 25.
Judge Tony Fazzio set an additional bond of $2.5 million for the trafficking charges, bringing Taraba’s total bond to $3.3 million. The case is being led by CPSO Special Victims Unit Detective Eric Perry.
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.