Former JPSO Worker Accused Of Rape

GRETNA, La. (AP) — A man who once worked for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office is accused of having sex with children.

Sheriff's spokesman Glen Boyd says 59-year-old John Cerniglia of Harvey was booked Wednesday with several counts of aggravated rape, sexual battery and pornography involving juveniles.

Until October 2005, Cerniglia was National Crime Information Center assistance supervisor for JPSO.

Boyd says the investigation began when a woman filed a complaint allegedly that her 12-year-old daughter said Cerniglia had taken nude photos of her from the time she was 5 years old until she was 9 years old.

Boyd says the girl allegedly told deputies that, two weeks ago, Cerniglia had sexual intercourse with her.

He's jailed in Gretna. It's not clear whether he has an attorney.