Sabine Parish man arrested on child sex abuse charges released on lowered bond

MANY, La. — An 80-year-old Sabine Parish man arrested last week following allegations of sexual abuse of multiple children is free on bond.

Roger J. Pilkington of Many was initially held on bonds totaling $600,000. Ad hoc Judge Craig Marcotte on Monday reduced the bond total to $200,000, allowing Pilkington to post bail and be released.

Sabine Parish sheriff's detectives began investigating Pilkington on June 23 after parents of one child alleged he touched their daughter inappropriately while she attended a private in-house daycare. Since then, a total of five juvenile victims, ranging in age from 5 to 10, came forward. 

All victims were interviewed at the Gingerbread House in Shreveport by trained child forensic interviewers. Based upon evidence gathered during the interviews, detectives believe the crimes against the children had been going on for the last two years, the sheriff's office said.

Pilkington is charged with three counts each of sexual battery and molestation of a juvenile -- both with victims under 13 years of age.