Lake Charles, LA –
On April 8, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives received a report in reference to a rape.
During the investigation the victim, who is under the age of 16, disclosed Derek F. Thibodeaux, Jr., 55, Sulphur, was sexually abusing her. During the investigation the victim was able to provide detectives with details of the abuse that were corroborated during the execution of a search warrant.
Further investigation revealed Thibodeaux was in possession of a large number of roosters tethered to individual shelters as well as cockfighting paraphernalia. A dog was also located at his residence, suffering from injuries to its neck, likely from being tethered for a long period of time.
On April 24, Thibodeaux was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with trafficking of children for sexual purposes; aggravated cruelty to animals; and cockfighting. Judge Clayton Davis set his bond at $1,215,000.
The dog was seized by Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and received veterinary care.
CPSO 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.