Patrick Buckhalter, 51, of LaPlace was arrested May 27, 2023 for rape and faces other sexual abuse charges involving a juvenile.
In January 2023, juvenile detectives received a complaint that Buckhalter had sexual contact with a female juvenile under the age of 13. During the course of the investigation, detectives obtained evidence that Buckhalter had engaged in sexual contact with the female juvenile.
Following the investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Buckhalter’s arrest. Detectives made contact with Buckhalter on May 27, 2023, and he was arrested on the active warrant for first degree rape, two counts of sexual battery (felony), and two counts of indecent behavior with juveniles (felony) (sex offense – registration required . He is being held in custody in lieu of a $290,000 bond.
Anyone who may have information about this case is asked to call Detective Lt. Ann Taylor at (504) 494-3714.