Lake Charles, La. — A 67-year-old Lake Charles man has been arrested on a charge of sexual battery involving a child younger than 13, following a joint investigation by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.
According to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO), detectives were dispatched to a local hospital on September 3 in reference to a reported sexual battery. The alleged victim is under the age of 13.
After the initial report, CPSO detectives worked together with the Department of Children and Family Services, the state agency responsible for investigating child abuse and neglect. Authorities say the collaboration led to enough evidence for a judge to approve an arrest warrant for the suspect.
The sheriff’s office identified the suspect as Richard M. Coleman, 67, of Lake Charles.
Coleman was arrested on January 13 and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. He is charged with one count of sexual battery with a victim under 13.
Judge Tony Fazzio set Coleman’s bond at $750,000, according to information released by CPSO.
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office stated that Detective Sonny Schiro, with the agency’s Special Victims Unit, is serving as the lead investigator on the case. Special Victims Units typically handle sensitive investigations involving children, sexual offenses, and other crimes against vulnerable people.
No information has been released regarding court dates, potential additional charges, or whether Coleman has legal representation. As in all criminal cases, the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.