Two Jefferson Parish juries returned back-to-back guilty verdicts this week in separate child sexual abuse trials, setting the stage for high-stakes sentencings at the 24th Judicial District Court in Gretna. One defendant, Charles P. Wilson Jr., was convicted on multiple counts that include molestation of a juvenile and production of child sexual abuse material. The other, Michael Pampas, was found guilty of first-degree rape of a juvenile under 13 and related offenses. The cases add to a growing list of serious child abuse prosecutions in the New Orleans suburbs, and both men now face potentially lengthy prison terms under Louisiana law.
Juries Deliver Guilty Verdicts
According to WWL-TV, the two cases were tried separately under the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office. In each trial, jurors heard evidence and came back with guilty verdicts. Prosecutors have said both defendants will be sentenced at the 24th Judicial District Court in Gretna.
Appeal Fight Over Cloud Data In Pampas Case
Before his trial, Pampas tried to keep certain digital evidence out of court, challenging the seizure of cloud-based data. An appellate filing aimed at overturning the district court’s suppression ruling was rejected in early May. Records available through Leagle show that the Fifth Circuit declined to disturb the district court’s March decision, which allowed prosecutors to use digital files obtained under a search warrant.
Prosecutors' Account Of The Crimes
Prosecutors told jurors that Pampas met the 12-year-old victim at a swimming party in Kenner, then continued communicating with the child on Snapchat, as reported by WWL-TV. They said he arranged transportation for the child using a ride-share service and recorded himself sexually abusing the victim.
Investigators also told jurors that Wilson’s case began in 2023 and that detectives recovered more than 30 sexually explicit images from his phone, according to WWL-TV. Wilson was prosecuted on charges that include molestation of a juvenile, production of child pornography and obstruction of justice.
Legal Penalties And Next Steps
Louisiana law sets mandatory minimum sentences and lengthy maximum terms for production or distribution of child sexual abuse material and for molestation of a juvenile, with much tougher penalties when the victim is under 13. The sentencing ranges and enhancements are outlined in La. R.S. 14:81.1 and La. R.S. 14:81.2.
Both Wilson and Pampas remain in custody and are awaiting sentencing in the 24th Judicial District Court in Gretna. Public court listings place the Jefferson Parish courthouse and related clerk’s offices on Derbigny Street in Gretna, where the parish’s felony cases are handled.
