Sex Offender in Opelousas Arrested for Sex Crimes Involving Child

OPELOUSAS, La. (KPEL News) - A registered sex offender in Opelousas has been arrested on multiple new charges after St. Landry Parish detectives were tipped off by the victim's parent.

Back in March, the parent contacted the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Division to report that their daughter was being sexually abused by Melvin Lewis, 45, of Opelousas.

Lewis, who was already previously registered as a sex offender for carnal knowledge of a juvenile in 2007, allegedly sent sexually suggestive messages and recording through social media and text, as well as engaging in sexual behavior with her. However, he denied any involvement with the minor when initially interviewed by SLPSO detectives.

However, detectives had been made aware of voice recordings, text messages, social media messages, and a screenshot of adult pornography was sent by the sex offender to the juvenile. The juvenile also stated that the first occurrence of the sexual abuse began at the age of 9.

Credit: St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office

On April 27, 2023, Lewis was arrested and transported to the St. Landry Parish Jail. He has been charged with several major offenses.

Third Degree Rape (4 counts)
Sexual Battery (3 counts)
Oral Sexual Battery (2 counts)
Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (4 counts)

No bond for Lewis has been set at this time.

According to Louisiana law, Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile "shall be punished by imprisonment at hard labor for not less than two nor more than twenty-five years. At least two years of the sentence imposed shall be served without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence."

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