RAPIDES PARISH, La. (3/14/2025) – Deville man arrested for molestation, sexual battery, and aggravated crimes against nature involving a juvenile under 13 pleaded guilty.
Timothy Michael Barbat, 37, was sentenced on March 10, 2025 to lesser charges, following a plea agreement.
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office began investigating Barbat after receiving a report from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services in October 2022. During their inquiry, detectives from the Special Victims Unit identified Barbat as the suspect linked to allegations of abuse.
Barbat was initially charged with five counts of sexual battery, five counts of molestation of a juvenile, ten counts of aggravated crimes against nature, and cruelty to a juvenile. He was arrested on October 24, 2022, and booked into Rapides Parish Detention Center on a $210,000 bond.
Assistant District Attorney Kelvin Sanders prosecuted the case, while defense attorney M. Jeansonne represented Barbat. After several court proceedings and delays, a plea agreement was reached.
On March 10, 2025, Barbat pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of indecent behavior with a juvenile. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss the other charges in exchange for this plea. Judge sentenced Barbat to seven years at hard labor, with credit for time already served.
The court ordered Barbat to register as a sex offender for 15 years upon release and prohibited him from contacting the victim permanently.
