Louisiana Couple Arrested on Multiple Child Sexual Abuse, Drug, and Other Charges

St John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana - A Louisiana couple has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse, drug, and other charges.

The St John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office reported on April 6, 2023, that a Garyville, Louisiana man and woman were arrested on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, for the alleged sexual abuse of three juveniles. Ralph Clay Nelson, 33, and Destiny Ann Georgel, 22, of Garyville, Louisiana, are both charged with several counts of child sexual abuse.

The St. John Sheriff's Office received a complaint on Thursday, March 23, 2023, which prompted an investigation into claims of child sexual abuse and neglect. Over many overnight visits at their home in Garyville, Nelson and his live-in girlfriend, Georgel allegedly provided a 15-year-old female friend of Nelson's daughter with numerous illegal substances, including methamphetamine, according to authorities.

Nelson and Georgel also allegedly engaged the 15-year-old adolescent in various sexual activities on separate occasions while Nelson and Georgel were under the influence of illegal narcotics. Detectives discovered further evidence and information that Nelson and Georgel were in possession of Nelson's juvenile daughter and their infant son while regularly under the influence of methamphetamine and the residence was in horrible, uninhabitable condition. When Nelson and Georgel were contacted, they admitted to the reported claims and were arrested.

Nelson was charged with three counts of cruelty to juveniles - non-violent, third-degree rape, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, child desertion, three counts of illegal use of controlled drug in presence of persons under 17 years old, and indecent behavior with juveniles (felony) (sex offense - registration required). Nelson is being held in custody in lieu of a $505,000 bond.

Georgel was booked with third-degree rape, three counts of cruelty to juveniles non-violent, child desertion, and three counts of illegal use of controlled drug in presence of persons under 17 years old. She is being held in custody in lieu of a $465,000 bond.

Authorities indicated that this investigation is ongoing and anyone who may have information about these incidents or others are asked to call Det. Lt. Ann Taylor at 504-494-3714.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.