Shreveport Man Arrested, Charged with Third-Degree Rape | KSLA News
A Shreveport, Louisiana man has been arrested and charged with third-degree rape, according to the Shreveport Police Department. Errick Crockerem, 24, was taken into custody on , following an investigation initiated after a report of sexual assault on .
The Shreveport Police Department’s Sex Crimes Unit responded to a report involving a victim in their 20s. Detectives immediately began investigating the allegations, and a sexual assault examination was conducted. This examination provided evidence that led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Crockerem.
If convicted, Crockerem faces a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years. Louisiana law defines third-degree rape as non-consensual sexual intercourse occurring under specific circumstances. These circumstances include instances where the victim is demonstrably unable to consent due to intoxication or a mental condition, and the offender was aware, or should have been aware, of that inability. The law also encompasses situations where the offender intentionally deceives the victim regarding their identity, or where the act occurs without lawful consent.
The legal definition, as outlined in Louisiana statutes, specifies that third-degree rape includes “non-consensual oral, anal, or vaginal sexual intercourse” under the conditions described. This broad definition underscores the seriousness of the charge and the state’s commitment to prosecuting non-consensual sexual acts.
The case highlights the ongoing work of law enforcement agencies in addressing sexual assault. The Shreveport Police Department’s swift response, including the coordination with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), demonstrates a commitment to thorough investigation and victim support. The use of forensic evidence, specifically DNA analysis conducted by the North Louisiana Crime Lab, played a crucial role in establishing probable cause for the arrest.
This arrest follows a separate case in Shreveport, where Welton Guidry, 35, was found guilty of attempted third-degree rape on . Guidry was convicted after forcing himself on a woman at a motel, despite her explicit refusal. He is scheduled to be sentenced on , and faces up to 12 and a half years in prison, along with mandatory registration as a sex offender upon release. That case, like the current one involving Crockerem, underscores the legal consequences for sexual offenses in the region.
The Guidry case involved testimony from six witnesses, including the victim, and DNA evidence linking Guidry to the assault. The successful prosecution in that instance relied heavily on forensic evidence and victim testimony, mirroring the approach being taken in the Crockerem case. Both cases demonstrate the importance of comprehensive investigations and the availability of resources like SANE examinations and forensic laboratories.
The legal proceedings against Crockerem are ongoing. As with all criminal cases, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Shreveport Police Department continues to investigate the matter, and further details may emerge as the case progresses through the judicial system. The potential sentence of up to 25 years reflects the severity with which Louisiana law treats third-degree rape, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting individuals from sexual violence.
The broader context of crime in the Ark-La-Tex region, as referenced by KSLA News, suggests a continued focus on addressing various criminal activities. While this report specifically details sexual assault cases, it highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to maintain public safety and hold offenders accountable. The availability of resources, such as specialized units within police departments and forensic laboratories, is critical to these efforts.