(Natchitoches)-New criminal charges have been brought against a north Natchitoches Parish man and his wife arrested in connection with what Sheriff Stuart Wright described as a “very disturbing” sex abuse case in November of 2021 in Readhimer according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.
On November 9, 2021, Kenny James Len Choate, 37, of the 100 block of Strange Road, Readhimer, La. was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center by NPSO detectives charged with Molestation of a Juvenile, Aggravated Crime Against Nature, Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine-2nd or Subsequent Offense, Possession of Firearms by a Person Convicted of a Felony and Cruelty to Animals.
Choate has remained in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center since his arrest.
NPSO Detectives say new developments and information in the ongoing case involving a second victim and forensic search of evidence conducted by the Northwest Louisiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) led to additional probable cause for additional criminal charges involving Choate and his wife (Crystal Choate).
The criminal warrants were signed by a 10th Judicial District Judge.
On April 4, 2022, NPSO Detectives went out to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center where Kenny Choate was arrested on new charges of First Degree Rape, Aggravated Crimes against Nature, Sexual Abuse of an Animal, and Pornography involving Juveniles. This is in addition to his original charges.
On April 1, 2022, NPSO Patrol Deputies arrested Crystal Michelle Choate, 36, while at her residence in the 100 block of Strange Road, Readhimer, La. Choate was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Pornography involving Juveniles and Accessory after the Fact.
Crystal Choate bond has been set at $250,000.00 by a 10th Judicial District Judge.
Detectives include that while both Kenny Choate and Crystal Choate are now behind bars, our investigation is actively ongoing and ask that if you have been a victim or have any information to please contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 318-357-7830.
Case Agent:
Detective Sgt. Jared Kilpatrick
NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau
ORIGINAL STORY:
NPSO: DETECTIVES ARREST READHIMER MAN ON SEXUAL MOLESTATION CHARGES; SHERIFF SAYS CASE VERY DISTURBING”
(READHIMER)-A disturbing investigation this week has led to the arrest of a north Natchitoches Parish man on sexual misconduct, narcotics and animal cruelty charges according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.
The investigation began on Sunday evening November 7 at approximately 10:28pm, when the mother of a juvenile under the age of 14 contacted the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office from Orange Texas Police Department reporting allegations of sexual misconduct involving her daughter while visiting her father’s residence in north Natchitoches Parish.
A joint investigation then began between the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and Orange Texas Police Department.
Orange Texas Police Department briefly interviewed the victim and her mother then accompanied them to a Beaumont hospital for an examination and evidence collection.
The investigation continued.
On Monday morning November 8, the mother and victim traveled to Natchitoches to meet with sheriff’s detectives at the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau.
Detectives interviewed the victim and arranged an independent forensic interview with the Rapides Children’s Advocacy Center in Alexandria.
The findings and facts in those interviews are case sensitive and will not be released but can be summarized as “very disturbing” according to Sheriff Wright.
Detectives did learn the alleged sex abuse has occurred for over an eight year period.
Based on interviews and evidence collected, detectives obtained sufficient evidence and probable cause to obtain a search warrant signed by a Tenth Judicial District Court Judge to search the residence of Kenny James Len Choate located in the 100 block of Strange Road in Readhimer, La.
Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents responded to assist.
During a search of the residence, detectives seized several firearms, suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and electronic devices.
Detectives also discovered two malnourished dogs tied on the exterior of the residence that were seized by the NPSO Animal Services Division.
Deputies arrested:
Kenny James Len Choate, 37, of the 100 block of Strange Road, Readhimer, La. was placed under arrest, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Molestation of a Juvenile, Aggravated Crime Against Nature, Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine-2nd or Subsequent Offense, Possession of Firearms by a Person Convicted of a Felony and Cruelty to Animals.
A Tenth Judicial District Court Judge has set bond over 1 million dollars.
Choate’s wife, Crystal Michelle Choate, 36, of the same address, in Readhimer was issued a citation for Cruelty to Animals and released pending a court appearance.
Sheriff Wright wishes to commend the mother of the victim, all deputies that were involved in the investigation along with the Orange Texas Police Department, and Rapides Children’s Advocacy Center for their assistance.
If you are the victim of a sex offense, don’t be afraid to talk to someone.
If you have any additional information contact the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division at 318-357-7830.
The criminal case file will be turned over to the Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office for review.
Case Agent: Detective Sgt. Jared Kilpatrick
NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau
318-357-7830
