From a report by News 2’s Claire Hatty
Six of the nine suspects in an alleged Ponchatoula sex ring are expected to make their pleas to a state judge in court on Thursday.
Two weeks ago seven of the suspects were indicted on aggravated rape charges after accusations of sexually abusing children under the age of 13. The six scheduled to appear on Thursday are Patricia Pierson, Robin Lamonica, Austin Trey Bernard III, Paul Fontenot, Allen Pierson and former sheriff’s deputy Christopher Labat.
On Wednesday Louis Lamonica was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to six counts of aggravated rape.
During bond hearings last week a Tangipahoa Parish detective testified that during a span of two years some victims were raped two or three times a week. Investigators believed some of the rapes happened at the Hosanna church building in Ponchatoula.
Prosecutors said they will not pursue the death penalty in this case.
As reported July 7 on News 2 Louisiana.