Aggravated Rape Charge Results in Life Sentence Without Parole for Louisiana Resident
Also Convicted of Two Counts of Aggravated Incest Resulting in 25 - 99 Years in Prison
As a survivor of incest and childhood sexual abuse, I was so pleased to read an article recently in Louisiana's "Tri-Parish Times". The article details an account of a 31-year-old man who had raped and sexually abused two of his underage relatives. The events of abuse took place in 2007.
The Punishment Fits the Crimes
This year, 2011, Timothy Thibodeaux was sentenced to life in prison without parole, probation or possibility of a suspended sentence for the aggravated rape conviction. According to Louisiana's law, aggravated rape carries a mandatory life sentence. The other two counts of aggravated incest carries a sentence of 25 - 99 years in prison.
"These types of cases are particularly heinous, because some of the most vulnerable members of society are preyed upon by those persons who are supposed to protect them," District Attorney Camille A. Morvant II said. "Mr. Thibodeaux fortunately will not be able to prey upon anyone, much less these victims, for the rest of his life."
Not only are the penalties for the crimes committed against these children strong and correct, but the entire way the court system handled this case should serve as a role model for future cases involving child victims. Because the children were interviewed and recorded through a Children's Advocacy Center, the recordings served as testimony in court and the children were not subjected to testifying in open court and being further traumatized.
No Incest Loophole in Louisiana
After hearing so many horror stories about incest loopholes in many of our states, that allow those who rape and abuse their own young family members with little in the way of repercussion, it was, indeed refreshing to read a story where the punishment fits the crime against innocent children. When trust is violated in such a heinous manner, the punishment needs to be severe and without legal loopholes.
Lafourche Parish serves as an excellent example of how to properly handle incest, rape and child abuse cases. All of those involved in prosecuting this case deserve recognition: Thanks to Forensic Interviewer, Shannan Gros, District Attorney Camille A. Morvant II, Assistant District Attorney Kristine Russell, and Judge John E. LeBlanc. Well done!
Sources:http://www.triparishtimes.com/articles/2011/07/06/news/178_57_incestuousoffendergetslifeinprison.txt
http://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2006/146/78529.html
http://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/2009/rs/title14/rs14-78.1.html
Published by Vicki Messer
In 1997 I began a personal journey of healing from years of childhood sexual abuse. For the better part of 10 years, I worked my way through the painful repressed memories of incest at the hands of several... View profile
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2 Comments
Post a CommentI love it!! ;P Hey there Vicki! How are you? I am still around, but I mostly write for another company now.
I love the fact that incest is out in the open these days. It is so HORRIFYINGLY COMMON!!! At least if I pick up the news and look, that is what I see. It is a farrrrr cry from the days of my having grown up where the victim did not have the opportunities that are available like today. Thank God that at least SOME are speaking out! I really thought that when I told, I would be believed b/c I knew it was true. Not so! I support those victims out there to TELL, not blame selves, and remember that yes, you can heal.
Well written as usual hun! Thanks for letting me put in my two cents!
HUGS
Kat
well written - thank you