Lake Charles, Louisiana – A Lake Charles man stands accused of repeatedly raping two underage girls who are family members, according to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. Detectives state that the investigation began on June 24, when the Special Victims Unit received a complaint reporting alleged rape.
During interviews, detectives learned from the two victims that the abuse began when they were both under the age of 15 and had occurred on multiple occasions. The suspect, identified as Brandon S. Cormier, 44, of Lake Charles, was named in the complaints. Authorities report Cormier is related to the girls, though the relationship was not disclosed for privacy reasons.
Following a month-long investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Cormier’s arrest on July 24. The same day, Cormier was taken into custody and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. He faces charges of first-degree rape and third-degree rape, which, under Louisiana law, represent some of the most serious sexual offense charges. First-degree rape involves circumstances such as the use of force, threats, or the victim being under a certain age, while third-degree rape includes situations where the victim is unable to resist due to intoxication or a similar condition.
Judge Tony Fazzio set Cormier’s bond at $3.5 million.
Additional details from law enforcement specify that CPSO Senior Corporal Daltin Nugent made the arrest, with Detective Mika Liptak serving as the lead investigator in the case.
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.