Child Rapist’s Conviction and Sentence Affirmed

The Second Circuit Court of Appeal has affirmed the conviction and life sentence of a Shreveport man arrested for raping an 11-year-old girl.

Judge John Robinson sentenced 52-year-old Marion Dale Jones to life in prison after Jones was convicted of aggravated rape by a Bossier Parish jury in October 2014.

"Thanks to the hard work of all the dedicated law enforcement officers who worked this case, we were able to get another child rapist off of our streets and behind bars where he belongs," said Bossier/Webster District Attorney Schuyler Marvin in a news release.

According to court evidence, Bossier City police detectives arrested Jones for rape after he climbed into the victim's home through a window and assaulted her while she was sleeping. The victim awoke with Jones on top of her and was able to get away. Jones left the home, which was located in the Barksdale Annex in Bossier City.

DNA left on the victim was entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and was matched to Jones. During his four-day trial, officers from the BCPD, experts from the North Louisiana Crime Lab, and a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner all testified in the case.

A three-judge appeal court panel denied all of the assertions made by Jones in his appeal and affirmed the life sentence.

"We are pleased with the decision by the court of appeal," said DA Marvin. "Lane Pittard did an outstanding job prosecuting this case and Mike Lawrence did exceptional work defending the appeal."

(Information in this story provided by Jennifer Hay, Bossier-Webster DA's Office)