Special to The Leader

Lake Charles – On July 1, Robert Lee Sargent, Sr., 56, 3311 Deer Run Road, Lake Charles, was arrested by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and charged with 1 count of aggravated rape; 5 counts of sexual battery; and 4 counts of aggravated incest, after it was learned he had inappropriate sexual contact with two young girls, one of whom was a family member.

On August 10, detectives received information that Sargent had inappropriate sexual contact with another family member starting when she was 3 years old until she was 13. The victim described at least eight different incidents of inappropriate contact occurring at four different residences in Calcasieu Parish where Sargent had lived.

Sargent, who is already being housed at the Calcasieu Correctional Center, was re-arrested and charged with 4 counts of aggravated rape; and 8 counts of aggravated incest. Judge David Ritchie set his bond at $1 million.

A new LA law has changed the crime of incest to crime against nature, but Sargent was charged under the old law because the 8 counts of aggravated incest he is charged with happened prior to the new law becoming effective.

CPSO Detective Cinnamon Salvador is the lead investigator on this case.