Man gets 20 years in prison for raping special needs adult

Victim ruled unable to resist assault

A LaPlace man who last year was accused of raping a special needs adult in St. Charles Parish was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Alfred Purcell Jr., 48, of 141 Oak Moss Drive, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree rape and has begun serving his non-suspended sentence. As part of the terms of the sentencing, he must also register as a lifetime sex offender upon his eventual release.

Purcell was arrested in February of last year after St. Charles Parish detectives investigated a report from the victim’s guardian that an incident had taken place. Detectives determined there were three occasions where Purcell allegedly had inappropriate, non-consensual sexual contact with the victim, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

According to court documents, Purcell, who was identified as a friend of the victim’s family, was advised of his Miranda rights upon arrest but waved them. He then reportedly admitted to having one instance of sexual intercourse with the victim.

Purcell withdrew his initial not guilty plea, pleading guilty as part of a plea bargain. An initial charge of first-degree rape was amended to third-degree rape.

According to the documents, the victim was considered unable to resist the act due to suffering from a physical or mental debilitation preventing their defense.

Purcell is serving his sentence at Nelson Coleman Correctional Facility.

 

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