Published March 23, 2022

Sulphur Woman Arrested for Cruelty to a Juvenile After Child Allegedly Found Covered in Feces

Sulphur, LA - Lake Charles, LA – The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office reported that deputies were dispatched to a home in Sulphur on March 21, 2022, around 2:00 p.m., in reference to a welfare check on a 5-year-old special needs child who lives at the home.

When deputies arrived, they discovered the boy inside the house, naked. Deputies discovered that his guardian had abandoned him in the care of a disabled adult who is unable to provide adequate supervision for the child. Deputies discovered the boy covered in feces and the home in disrepair, with human and animal feces all over. Deputies searched the house for clothing for the child but were unable to find any.

The child's caregiver and family member, Ouida W. Whatley, 42, of Sulphur, arrived home around 4:30 p.m., while deputies were still on the scene. She was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center after speaking with deputies. She was charged with cruelty to a juvenile. Her bond was set at $55,000 by Judge Tony Fazzio.
The child was released to a family member by the Department of Children and Family Services.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Deputy Tristan Mount is the arresting deputy on this case.
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Detective Kara Adams is the lead investigator on this case.

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

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