John Elmer, 70, of Bayou Gauche was found guilty of four counts of child molestation on Jan. 24 by a St. Charles Parish petit jury.
The jury deliberated 3-1/2 hours before returning its guilty verdict late Thursday night, which concluded a three-day trial prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Rochelle Champagne Fahrig and Julie Cullen.
Elmer was arrested on Dec. 27, 2017.
Judge M. Lauren Lemmon ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set Elmer’s sentencing at 1 p.m. April 6.
Elmer was convicted on involvement with a juvenile victim between the age of 10 and 13.
On three of the counts, he faces a minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum sentence of 99 years at hard labor with the Louisiana Department of Corrections. The fourth count carries a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years at hard labor with the Department of Corrections.
The conviction will also require Elmer register as a sex offender for the duration of his life.
“Cases of this nature are often the most difficult to investigate and prosecute,” said District Attorney Joel T. Chaisson, II. “I applaud the work of the St. Charles Parish Sheriffs Office, especially Detective Chris Waguespack, and Assistant District Attorney Rochelle Champagne Fahrig for their handling of this case.”
Chaisson added, “That work gave a voice to the victim which had been held silent for many years. I commend the victim and her family for having the fortitude to endure the trial process. Because of the efforts of everyone involved, this defendant will never be able to victimize another child.”
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