Leesville Man Accused Of Trying To Buy Child

LEESVILLE, La. (AP) — A 66-year-old Leesville man is in custody, accused of trying to buy and rape a 10-year-old child.

Scott Moreau, spokesman for Louisiana State Police Troop E, says Ernest Kickel Jr. was arrested Monday on charges of attempted aggravated rape and trafficking of children for sexual purposes.

Moreau says items were found in Kickel's home corroborating his plan to have sex with a minor child. He did not specify what those items were.

KPLC-TV reports Kickel is in the Vernon Parish jail on $1.5 million bond. It was unknown whether Kickel has an attorney.

The American Press reports Kickel unsuccessfully ran for an at-large seat on the Leesville City Council in the April 5 election, getting 11 percent of the vote.