Opelousas Man Accused Sex Crimes Against Teenage Family Member

An Opelousas man is facing rape charges following allegations from a female teenage family member.

Sheriff's spokesman Maj. Eddie Thibodeaux said 42-year-old Denis Lazard was arrested for first-degree rape and obstruction of justice.

Thibodeaux said, on Sept. 19th, St. Landry Parish Juveniles Section received a complaint that Lazard had been having sexual intercourse with an underage female family member, who was between the ages of 11 and 15.

The victim reported the incident to her aunt and mother who then notified the sheriff's office Investigators were able to retrieve text messages and other key evidence confirming the allegations. In one of the text messages, Lazard told the victim to "go back to the police and recant her story and say he abused her instead of raping her."

After being interviewed, Lazard was arrested and transported to the St. Landry Parish Jail for processing.