Lafayette Man Booked For Rape In Iberia Parish

A Lafayette man was booked over the weekend for the aggravated rape and battery of a woman in Iberia Parish.

Investigators from the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office said 47-year-old James Neil White, Sr. of New Iberia allegedly asked the 37-year-old female victim to give him a ride to a "specific location," but at some point during the trip, he ordered her to drive to a rural location near Loreauville.

Police said White was armed with a knife, and he allegedly struck the victim three times, sexually assaulted her, and then drove away from the scene in her vehicle.

The victim was taken to a local hospital where she was treated for her injuries and released.

White was arrested by police in Lafayette. He is charged with aggravated rape, auto theft, and simple battery. White was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center and then transferred to the Iberia Parish Jail.

Bond has been set at $1.5 million.