Louisiana man arrested on charges of trafficking and animal cruelty

LAKE CHARLES, La. ( KLFY ) – A Sulphur man accused of sexual abuse was also found to be involved with cruelty to animals.

According to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office , detectives received a report in reference to a rape on April 8. During the investigation the 16-year-old victim alleged they were being sexually abused by Derek F. Thibodeaux, Jr., 55 of Sulphur. The victim was able to provide detectives with details of the abuse that were corroborated during a search.

The investigation revealed Thibodeaux had a large number of roosters in individual shelters and cockfighting paraphernalia. A dog was also located at his residence, suffering from injuries to its neck.

Thibodeaux was arrested on Wednesday and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. He was charged with trafficking of children for sexual purposes, aggravated cruelty to animals and cockfighting.

His bond was set at $1,215,000. The dog was seized by Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and received veterinary care.

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