Man Could Face Castration and Death Penalty for Allegedly Raping 4-Year-Old and Transmitting STD

Louisiana Man Faces Severe Charges for Alleged Rape of Child

A Louisiana man might face chemical castration or even the death penalty after allegedly raping a four-year-old girl on August 1, and giving her chlamydia.

Anthony James Jelks, 25, was accused of the crime, which reportedly took place in Baton Rouge. The child, who had experienced redness and irritation, was taken to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, where doctors confirmed she tested positive for the STD, according to reports.

Following this, the child was moved to a local children’s advocacy center, where detectives claim she described how the suspect “pulled his pants down” and “did inappropriate things to her.”

East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillermoor addressed the gravity of the situation, mentioning that his office is contemplating charges that could include the death penalty or chemical castration. “I can’t think of anything worse than raping a child,” Moore stated.

In 2024, Louisiana implemented potential punishments like surgical and chemical castration for specific sexual assault cases. However, following a 2008 U.S. Supreme Court decision, the death penalty is not applicable in instances where the victim survives.

Moore noted that the last death sentence given for a rape case that didn’t result in murder occurred in 1964, but he might still have the chance to present his case to the court. “We are bound by the Supreme Court’s laws, but depending on the specifics, this is something I might pursue,” the DA emphasized.

Unfortunately, these rape allegations are not Jelks’ first brush with the law. He has a history of arrests, with records revealing multiple offenses. “Jelks has been arrested six times in the past six years,” Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse commented. His previous charges include various crimes, from firearm offenses to domestic violence, and he is currently on probation.

In March 2022, he was arrested for domestic abuse involving a nine-year-old child. Court documents indicate he ultimately pleaded guilty to a domestic violence charge and served six months in prison.