Rapides Parish, LA (2/29/2024) – On February 20, 2024, Patrol Deputies from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO) responded to a report of alleged criminal sexual conduct involving a juvenile.
Following the initial report, Detectives from the RPSO Special Victims Unit (SVU) launched an investigation into the matter.
SVU Detectives, in collaboration with the Department of Children and Family Services, pursued their investigation, identifying Michael Lee Shelton, 39, of Marksville, as a suspect. As their inquiry progressed, with the assistance of the Rapides Children’s Advocacy Center, Detectives gathered evidence that substantiated the original allegations and uncovered additional charges.
Based on their findings, SVU Detectives secured warrants for Shelton’s arrest. On February 21, 2024, without incident, authorities took Shelton into custody and booked him into the Rapides Parish Detention Center, where he remains held on a $300,000.00 bond.
Shelton faces multiple charges, including two counts of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles, two counts of Sexual Battery, and two counts of Aggravated Crimes Against Nature.
RPSO SVU Detectives state that their investigation remains ongoing. They urge anyone with pertinent information regarding this case or the suspect to contact Detective T. Paulk of the RPSO SVU at 318-473-6727.
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A law enforcement-related agency has provided this information as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal “All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.” or arrested and charged with a crime have not been convicted of any criminal offense. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
