A Kenner man has received a 30-year prison sentence after a jury found him guilty of sexually abusing a child. Oscar Reyes, 63, was convicted on May 15 for his actions against a 9-year-old, a crime initially reported to the Kenner Police Department in September 2021. The child, familiar with Reyes, revealed the abuse that occurred between the ages of 7 and 9, sparking the investigation.
During the trial, evidence was presented, including testimony from the young victim who detailed the abuse during a forensic examination at the Morgan Rae Center for Hope at Manning Family Children’s and an interview at the Jefferson Children’s Advocacy Center. After deliberating for over four hours, the jury reached unanimous verdicts on the charges of sexual battery and indecent behavior with a juvenile. In addition to the 30-year term for sexual battery, Reyes also received a 10-year sentence for the indecent behavior charge, to be served concurrently, as reported by the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office.
These types of allegations are taken seriously, and the DA's office emphasized the importance of protecting the youngest and most vulnerable members of the community. Judge Danyelle Taylor handed down the sentence following the trial's conclusion, sending a clear message about the consequences of such actions.
Multiple agencies collaborated in the investigation, including the Kenner Police, the Morgan Rae Center for Hope, and the Jefferson Children’s Advocacy Center. According to the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, their efforts helped secure a conviction. Reyes has now been sentenced and will serve a significant prison term.
