Rapides Sheriff Patrol Deputies responded to a complaint on Feb. 19 in reference to criminal sexual conduct involving a juvenile. Deputies took the initial report and Detectives with the RPSO Special Victims Unit began their investigation into the allegations.
From their investigation, Detectives were able to identify James Dyess, 28 of Elmer, as the suspect.
Through the investigation, which included an interview of the victim through the Rapides Children’s Advocacy Center, sufficient probable cause was established to support the original allegations as well as other alleged crimes. Detectives were able to obtain warrants for Dyess’s arrest on the charges but not before he left the area, so the warrants were entered into the national database (NCIC).
Dyess was located in Dumas, Texas on May 17 and taken into custody on the active warrants by the Moore County Sheriff’s Office. Dyess was extradited back to Rapides Parish on May 19 and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center for sexual battery, indecent behavior with juveniles and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Dyess remains in jail at the time of this release, being held on a $225,000 bond.
Detectives say their investigation is ongoing and if anyone has any information on this case, they are asked to contact Detective Tamiko Paulk, RPSO SVU at 318-473-6755.
“ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.”
Arrestee:
James Dyess, 28
52 Hatwig Road, Elmer, LA
Charge(s):
Sexual Battery
Indecent Behavior with Juveniles
Contributing To The Delinquency of Juveniles