CALHOUN, La. (KTVE/KARD) -- On August 29, 2024, at approximately 10 PM, deputies of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office began a sex crime investigation at a residence on Leckie Road in Calhoun, La. Before deputies arrived at the home, they made contact with the complainant by phone.
They were advised that the complainant observed inappropriate text messages between her husband, 55-year-old Joseph William Chandler, and her 14-year-old child. Once authorities arrived at the residence, Chandler was apprehended and transported to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office for questioning.
According to authorities, they spoke with the victim and the 14-year-old victim told officials that Chandler texted them two weeks ago, allegedly asking the victim for sexual favors. The victim reportedly declined Chandler's advances.
During the investigation, officials learned that there were multiple sexual encounters between the victim and Chandler since the victim was six years old. Chandler was accused of molesting and sexually assaulting the victim. According to authorities, the victim was advised by Chandler to be quiet about the sexual assaults so he would not go to jail.
Authorities also learned that Chandler allegedly purchased alcoholic beverages and THC gummies for the victim within the past year. After officials questioned the victim, they interviewed Chandler and he reportedly told authorities that he became sexually attracted to the victim when the victim was six years old because his wife had a low sex drive.
According to authorities, Chandler allegedly admitted to molesting and sexually assaulting the victim repeatedly since the victim was six years old. He also admitted to purchasing the victim alcoholic beverages and THC gummies on several occasions and sending the victim inappropriate text messages.
Chandler was arrested and charged with the following:
