A Jefferson Parish grand jury has indicted a Kenner man on accusations that he raped two girls he met through the church they all attended. Juan Zuniga, 50, pleaded not guilty at a magistrate hearing and remains jailed while the case moves forward.
Investigators first arrested Zuniga in January after a probe by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, according to WDSU. Deputies booked him on multiple rape-related counts, and the station reported that the victims were 12 and 13 when the alleged abuse began in 2022.
The grand jury indictment handed up Monday charges Zuniga with first-degree rape, second-degree rape and molestation of a juvenile and alleges the assaults occurred between 2022 and 2024, according to NOLA. The filing says one victim told detectives she was raped at 12 and the other that she was first attacked at 13, and that the first victim reported the abuse to Kenner police in November 2025, court records show.
How investigators say he met the victims
Authorities say both girls attended the same church as Zuniga and that he is related to the pastor there, a connection detectives say gave him easier access to families, according to WDSU. Investigators say they have gathered interviews and other evidence that they plan to present to prosecutors as the case advances.
Charges, bail and legal exposure
Following the grand jury's action, a court set Zuniga's bail at $1,000,000, and he entered a not-guilty plea, according to NOLA. Under Louisiana law, first-degree rape of a child under 13 is among the state's most serious offenses and can carry life imprisonment at hard labor without the benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence under La. Rev. Stat. §14:42, as published by Justia.
What happens next
The case will proceed in the 24th Judicial District Court for arraignment and scheduling of further hearings. Officials urge anyone with information to contact the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office tip line or the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office, and community members or anyone affected are encouraged to reach out to local victim-services providers for support (Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office).
