Lake Charles, LA –
On September 5, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a home in Lake Charles in reference to a missing juvenile. During the investigation, deputies learned of the girl’s location, at which time they were advised her family member, Andrew A. Taraba, 32, Lake Charles, has possibly been sexually abusing her. When detectives spoke with Taraba about the allegations, he confirmed he was sexually abusing the victim.
He was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with 1st degree rape victim under 13; and sexual battery of a victim under 13. Judge Kendrick Guidry set his bond at $800,000.
The investigation continued and it was learned Taraba offered to pay the victim during two of the incidents and then provided money to the victim after one incident. On September 25, Taraba, who was still incarcerated at the CCC, was additionally charged with trafficking of children for sexual purposes. Judge Tony Fazzio set an additional bond of $2.5 million.
CPSO Special Victims Unit Detective Eric Perry is the lead investigator on this case.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.