On May 25, 2011, Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Department Investigators responded to a complaint of indecent behavior involving juveniles at a babysitter on Craig Street, which is in the Ville Platte area. It was reported that Richard Michael Marks, white male, born on 1/13/1958, of 1059 Craig Street Ville Platte La, allegedly had inappropriate contact with a juvenile girl that he and his wife were babysitting at his residence. After an initial investigation Marks was arrested and booked into the Evangeline Parish Jail for violation of two counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile and one count of sexual battery on a juvenile, where he remains incarcerated on $175,000 bond. This investigation continues and more charges are expected.
Sheriff Soileau asks any parents who have children being cared for at the Marks residence to contact Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Department Investigations Unit. This is an ongoing investigation and all contact will remain anonymous.
Soileau encouraged residents to report illegal activities to his office. He said all callers will remain anonymous. He said the public is a key to fighting and preventing criminal activities in the parish. Soileau went on to say he is grateful for the publics' assistance.