Amelia man convicted in rape of child
An Amelia man faces at least two life sentences after a jury found him guilty of first-degree rape of a child and other sex charges, the 16th Judicial District Attorney’s Office said Saturday.
The St. Mary Parish jury found John Vandercook, 52, guilty on two counts of first-degree rape of a child under 13, five counts of sexual battery on a child under 13 and four counts video voyeurism involving a child under 17.
In 2021, a mandatory reporter contacted law enforcement to report that Vandercook admitted to inappropriate sexual contact with a juvenile, District Attorney Bo Duhé said in a press release. During their investigation, St. Mary Parish sheriff’s deputies developed evidence, including Vandercook’s own statements
The mandatory sentence for first-degree rape of a child under 13 is life imprisonment at hard labor without probation, parole or suspension of sentence. The sentencing range for sexual battery where the victim is under 13 is from 25 years to 99 years at hard labor, with at least 25 years of the sentence being served without probation, parole or suspension of sentence.
The sentencing range for video voyeurism of a child under 17 is two to 10 years at hard labor without probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.
A sentencing hearing is set for 10 a.m. July 9 before the District Judge Anthony Thibodeaux.
"The victim overcame her fear by taking the witness stand and identifying the perpetrator, thus slaying the dragon,” said Assistant District Attorney Heather Hendrix in the press release. “She left that courtroom victorious, moving forward on her healing journey surrounded by the fine members of Bikers Against Child Abuse Bayou Region Chapter 1 and Ann Naquin, our office's victims assistance coordinator.
“I send heartfelt appreciation to the jury for their focus, dedication, and service, which delivered justice to the victim."
Duhé said it’s appropriate that the victim obtained justice during National Crime Victim’s Rights Week. If you or anyone you know is a victim of a sex offense, we encourage you to contact law enforcement to start the process of seeking justice.
Additionally, you can contact the crisis line for Hearts of Hope, which provides resources for sexual assault victims in Acadiana at 337-233-7273.
Hendrix prosecuted the case with assistance from Brady Holtzclaw, Jennifer Reasoner and Katie Williams. The case was investigated by the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.