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Iberia Parish man sentenced to life in prison for sex offenses against 11-year-old girl
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NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) -- An Iberia Parish man has been convicted of multiple sex crimes against a child.
Jeff Bourque, 47, was unanimously convicted by an Iberia Parish jury of one count of
first degree rape, one count of attempted first degree rape, and two counts of molestation of
a juvenile under the age of 13.
A sentencing hearing was set Friday, April 11, before 16th Judicial District Judge Curtis Sigur.
The charges stem from Bourque's sexual abuse of an 11-year-old girl. Officials said when the girl disclosed the abuse to her mother, her mother quickly reported the abuse to law enforcement.
Law enforcement's investigation revealed additional materials that corroborated the victim's
disclosure.
For his first-degree rape conviction, Bourque was sentenced to life imprisonment
at hard labor, without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence, the mandatory
penalty for first-degree rape.
For his attempted first-degree rape conviction, Bourque was sentenced to forty years at hard labor, without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.
For his two convictions for molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13, Bourque was sentenced to fifty years at hard labor on each count, without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.
"I find it particularly fitting that this sexual predator was brought to justice and sentenced for his crimes against a child during National Crime Victim’s Rights Week," said 16th Judicial District Attorney Michael Haik.
lf you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, please contact your local law
enforcement and report the abuse. ln Acadiana, Hearts of Hope provides resources to
victims of sexual assault, including advocacy, counseling, and support. Their 24-hour crisis
line can be reached at 337 -233-7273