Indiana man arrested on sexual battery charges in Evangeline Parish

An Indiana man was arrested on charges stemming back to October of alleged sexual battery of a juvenile.

EVANGELINE PARISH, La. (KLFY) – An Indiana man was arrested on charges stemming back to October of alleged sexual battery of a juvenile.

According to the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office, detectives received information in October of 2023 about possible inappropriate behavior with a juvenile. An investigation found that the subject was recovering from an injury and staying at the home of the victim, who was the 14-year-old sister of his girlfriend, and during that time, allegedly inappropriately touched the 14-year-old multiple times.

Evidence was gathered and an arrest warrant was issued for Joseph Phillip Meagher, 20, on indecent behavior with a juvenile and sexual battery involving a juvenile. After the warrant was issued, it was found that Meagher had returned to his hometown in Indiana.

On Tuesday, the Hobart Police Department in Indiana arrested Meagher with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Office in Lafayette and South Bend, IN. The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Department is awaiting Meagher return for booking. 

Meagher’s bond is set at $50,000.

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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