SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR SEX OFFENSES AGAINST CHILDREN

     Jeff Bourque, 47, was unanimously convicted by an Iberia Parish jury of one count of first degree rape, one count of attempted first degree rape, and two counts of molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13.

     The charges stem from Bourque's sexual abuse of an 11-year old girl.  When she disclosed the abuse to her mother, her mother quickly reported the abuse to law enforcement.  Law enforcement's investigation revealed additional materials that corroborated the victim's disclosure.

     A sentencing hearing was set Friday, April 11, 2025, before the Honorable Curtis Sigur

     For his first degree rape conviction, the defendant was sentenced to life imprisonment at hard labor, without the benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence, the mandatory penalty for first degree rape.

     For his attempted first degree rape conviction, the defendant was sentenced to forty years at hard labor, without the benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.  The sentencing range for attempted first degree rape is zero to fifty years at hard labor without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.

     For his two convictions of molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13, the defendant was sentenced to fifty years at hard labor on each count, without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.  The sentencing range for molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13 is twenty-five to ninety-nine years at hard labor, with at least twenty-five years of that sentence served without benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.

     District Attorney Michael Haik says, "I find it particularly fitting that this sexual predator was brought to justice and sentenced for his crimes against a child during National Crime Victim's Rights Week.

     I would especially like to commend Assistant District Attorneys Ashley Hammons and Brady Holtzlcaw and New Iberia Police Detectives Gregory and Meyers for the exceptional job they did to bring justice for this girl and the community to ensure this predator is behind bars."

     If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, please contact your local law enforcement and report the abuse.  In Acadiana, Hearts of Hope provides resources to victims of sexual assault, including advocacy, counseling, and support.  Their 24-hour crisis line can be reached at (337) 232-7273.

     Assistant District Attorneys Ashley Hammons and Brady Holtzclaw prosecuted the case.  The New Iberia Police Department with lead detectives Craig Gregory and Malinda Meyers (now with the Louisiana Attorney General's Office) investigated the case.