Benton sex offender convicted of raping child
BENTON, La. – A convicted sex offender faces life in prison following his conviction Thursday afternoon for raping a child.
BENTON, La. – A convicted sex offender faces life in prison following his conviction Thursday afternoon for raping a child.
A Bossier Parish jury found Robert Bridges, 41, of Benton, guilty as charged of four counts of first-degree rape.
His trial began Monday. The jury returned its unanimous verdict mid-afternoon Thursday.
“I would like to commend the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office for delivering us a good case. I am proud of the hard work by our major crimes team. I am glad the jury reached the right verdict and gave the victim justice. Another predator is off our streets and behind bars,” said District Attorney Schuyler Marvin.
Bridges was arrested in May 2021 following an investigation by the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office. His victim was a juvenile under the age of 13.
During the trial, jurors heard testimony that the sexual assault happened more than once. Bridges’ past victims also testified.
Information about his prior conviction as a sex offender was also presented.
Bossier District Judge Charles Smith set a sentencing date for Oct. 27. First-degree rape carries a mandatory life sentence.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Chance Nerren and defended by attorney Sarah Smith.