Westlake, Louisiana - Authorities in Calcasieu Parish have taken a Westlake resident into custody following allegations of sexual abuse involving a juvenile under the age of 13.

Justin R. Marchie, 36, of Westlake, Louisiana was arrested on March 30 after Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a home regarding a complaint of juvenile molestation. According to officials, the investigation began when the young complainant disclosed to authorities that Marchie, identified as a family member, had been sexually abusing her.

During initial questioning, deputies reported that Marchie confirmed having inappropriate sexual contact with the victim, with the abuse allegedly beginning in 2023 and continuing until his arrest.

Following his arrest, Marchie was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center on charges of sexual battery of a juvenile under the age of thirteen, a serious offense under Louisiana law. Judge David Ritchie set Marchie's bond at $1.5 million.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office indicated that the investigation remains ongoing. Deputies Michael Hamorski and Don Briscoe were credited as the arresting officers, while Detective Cory Myers from the Special Victims Unit (SVU) is leading the investigation.

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.