Lake Charles, Louisiana - A Lake Charles man faces serious charges following an alleged sexual battery incident at a private event in Westlake, Louisiana, authorities reported.
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office initiated an investigation on December 21 after receiving reports of a possible sexual battery that occurred earlier that day. According to investigators, the incident involved an underage victim who was inappropriately touched by a guest at the event who was previously unknown to her.
Detectives identified the suspect as Marvin Pena, 46, of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Following their investigation, law enforcement officials interviewed Pena on December 27, which led to his immediate arrest. He was subsequently booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center on charges of sexual battery of a victim under the age of 13.
Judge Kendrick Guidry set Pena's bond at $150,000. The case took an additional turn when U.S. Border Patrol placed a federal detainer on Pena after discovering he was in the United States illegally.
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Special Victims Unit is handling the investigation, led by Detective Elizabeth Ivey with assistance from Deputy Hector Rivera.
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.