Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
BOGALUSA, La. (WGNO) — A married couple is under arrest after an April investigation into allegations of rape in Bogalusa.
On Monday, July 31, the Bogalusa Police Department announced the arrest of Brandon Ellis and Mary Diaz, who were accused of the rape and sexual abuse of two children.
On April 18, police say they received a call reporting the alleged abuse. During the investigation, detectives learned Ellis, stepfather of the 9 and 11-year-old victims, was the person allegedly responsible.
On Thursday, July 27, Ellis was arrested on:
- Two counts of First-Degree Rape
- Two counts of Sexual Battery
- Two counts of Oral Sexual Battery
- Two counts of Domestic Abuse Battery
Further investigation led to the arrest of the children’s mother, Mary Diaz, for her alleged involvement in the crime. Officers say she is now facing charges of:
- Principal to First-Degree Rape
- Two counts of Domestic Abuse Battery
- Failure to Report the Commission of Certain Felonies
Further details are to be released at a later date as the investigation is ongoing.
Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.