Sexual allegations lead to arrest; Parish man booked on 7 molestation charges

Published 12:12 am Tuesday, December 30, 2014

VIDALIA A 50-year-old Wildsville father was arrested Sunday for allegedly having a yearlong sexual relationship with his mentally disabled, teenage daughter.

Billy Wayne Harris, 14445 U.S. 84, was arrested and charged with seven counts of molestation of a juvenile or person with a physical or mental disability.

Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigator Phillip Smith said Harris and his family went to visit relatives in Rapides Parish last week for the Christmas holiday.

Email newsletter signup

During that time, family members noticed inappropriate touching between Harris and his 17-year-old daughter.

“They got her outside for a little walk and asked her about it,” Smith said. “She confided in them that he had made advances toward her and actually engaged in sexual intercourse.”

Smith said the family members called the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, who sent investigators to take statements from the daughter and Harris.

The daughter told investigators the alleged sexual relationship began when she was 16 and had occurred seven times over the year, Smith said.

Harris eventually confessed to the investigators about the inappropriate conduct, Smith said, but claims it only occurred five times, not seven.

Smith said CPSO investigators are continuing the investigation and have not ruled out additional charges.

Harris appeared before Seventh Judicial District Court Judge Kathy Johnson Monday in Vidalia, who issued a $140,000 bond. Harris remained in the Concordia Parish Jail Monday afternoon.