Ex-cop accused of rape

BY STEVE WILSON
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 2:10 PM CDT

A former New Iberia police officer, and registered sex offender, is in custody for alleged rapes he committed more than 25 years ago.

Burt Gauthier, 49, of 2406 Labit Road, was arrested at his home Monday and charged with aggravated rape and attempted aggravated rape for alleged rapes that took place between 1981 and 1983 and involved then-juveniles who only recently came forward with the allegations, the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office said.

Gauthier is being held in the Iberia Parish Jail on $500,000 bond.

Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Wendell Raborn said although the rapes took place long ago, this is not considered a “cold case” because the allegations were made recently.

“The victims came forward and reported the incidents to investigators, which occurred when they juveniles between the ages of 7 and 10 years old,” Raborn said. “The incidents apparently occurred on two different occasions at Gauthier’s home while the female victims were visiting.”

Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal said the nature of the charges against Gauthier are “very, very serious.”

“If the statue of limitations has not run out on the case, then someone will have to answer for these crimes,” Ackal said.

Ackal said applying statutes of limitations is a matter for the 16th Judicial District Attorney’s office to decide.

He acknowledged the fact the alleged rapes took place so many years ago raises suspicions.

“Why did it take 20-something years to come forward?” Ackal said. “What triggered it? Revenge? You can ruin an individual’s life with charges such as these if they are not true.”

Raborn said Gauthier, formerly a motorcycle officer with the New Iberia Police Department, is registered as a sex offender in the Louisiana State Police Sex Offender Registry, stemming from a 2002 conviction against him for contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. The registry’s Web site said Gauthier was convicted and released Jan. 15, 2002.

Phone calls to the city of New Iberia for details about when Gauthier was employed and the reason his employment ended were not returned by press time. The IPSO could not provide additional time served information about Gauthier’s 2002 conviction.

Raborn said the victims’ testimony is an important factor in the continuing investigation but declined to comment on any other evidence in the case.

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Comments

angel wrote on Jul 27, 2009 7:38 AM:

" God help all of the victims in this horrible situation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

need to know wrote on Oct 17, 2008 12:33 PM:

" when does the grand jury take place "

looking for answers wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:35 PM:

" what does his family think about all this? How long ago was the other one that came forward? Will we ever have the whole story? Are they family or friends? "

friend wrote on Oct 15, 2008 9:27 AM:

" He is still in jail awaiting a grand jury. He also got another large bond amount for the other person that came forward. Looks like he can't afford to be free. "

looking for answers wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:50 PM:

" what's going on ? where is he now? "

goodgal wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:47 PM:

" There is another person that has come forward with this same story as these girls. Keep a look out guys. Your going to see this man is a sick puppy. "

B.Bean wrote on Oct 2, 2008 11:45 PM:

" to Big deal: I dont see as many people saying he was a good guy so we should think the police planted evidence on him like we did about Sais that is why
the higher standard should be held just like with this x-cop he should be held to a higher standard also black or white . "

Blueangel wrote on Oct 2, 2008 2:08 PM:

" He deserves what he get's. They should lock him up and throw away the key. It dosen't matter if it was 20 yrs.ago or it was yesterday,he shouldn't have done it(If He Done It) He took an Oath to uphold the law. He was already accused 25 yrs. ago and had to register as a sex affender. His parents must be turning in there grave! They did not raise him to be that way. All we can do is sit back and see what happen's from here. It's in the hand's of law officals and the Judge now. "

Chuck is BACK wrote on Oct 2, 2008 6:21 AM:

" Every man, woman, and child charged with a crime in these United States of America is presumed INNOCENT until proven guilty in a court of law. Those of you who bark for justice before a trial could be on your way to stepping in a big room full of eggshells. He will have his day in court. If found guilty, may he rot in a cell or take the needle like a man. If found innocent, may his life get back to as normal as civilization will allow, as he will have earned it. Think before you assume. "

big deal wrote on Oct 1, 2008 4:39 PM:

" again what does welfare have to do with this post other than another attempt to paint all of a certain race is derogatory.
Regardless. If he knew about it then yes but if he didn't; Let's say one of your friends asks you and your brother for a ride and you gave him one;not knowing he just murdered someone. Would that be accessory to murder for you or your brother or is it just for blacks and others?? Hmm? Only you can answer that one for yourself... "

big deal wrote on Oct 1, 2008 4:33 PM:

" Tiger 96 seems to be one of the few to understand the point I was trying to make. Solution: Open your eyes and quit denying that the problem exists. Then try to be more tolerant and treat soemone like you would want your sister to be treated regardless of color or sex then that would be a starting point. Join the rest of the world in the 21st century instead of backwoods backassword thinking. "

To Big Deal wrote on Oct 1, 2008 2:50 AM:

" Regardless of race.This animal violated
a child he should be punished by all means possible.He better be glad it was
not my child.And if he drove the car willingly he should get the max allowed by law.lost a father,husband,grandfather.Lets see you
loose someone like that.And will see how much of a stink you raise. "

Rapp On wrote on Oct 1, 2008 12:38 AM:

" You're right Big Deal. There aren't as many posts about this terrible crime. I would guess because it's sickening and horrendous. But let's go with your premise. White people must hate black people and the crimes they commit no matter how serious and that is why there are more posts about people like Sias and black kids accused of murder. OK, now what? Where do we go from here? What's the solution to your theory? How bout let's try to stop crime all together. Then we can complain about something else that bothers us beside-skin-color. "

tiger96 wrote on Sep 30, 2008 5:08 PM:

" big deal...I must agree w/your assessment of the lack of venomous responses here. Understand that it's not a comparison of crimes committed, but an observation of the forum responses. When a black person is the accused this forum is run over by unnecessary downright racist, hateful comments about blacks in general. White people never get it when blacks object to the illogical generalizations ascribed to the whole population of blacks based on the actions of one/few. Additionally, it seems that for black offenders ARREST=GUILTY. For white offenders, ARREST=let's quote the constitution: INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. "

copper wrote on Sep 30, 2008 4:23 PM:

" David Dukes name has been coming up alot lately. Yet he's never around when you need him. I just wish someone would end the welfare freeloaders. Funny how when they all ran for their cards, all they did was complain about it . Yet you never heard any of them saying how they had to get back to work. "

big deal wrote on Sep 30, 2008 2:54 PM:

" probably were young and scared at the time. Especially a person of authority. "

Anynomous CCL wrote on Sep 30, 2008 1:51 PM:

" whats up with this stuff? Why didnt they witness say something 20 years ago? "

Deborah C. White wrote on Sep 30, 2008 7:57 AM:

" As for the driver of the car....it is called accessory to murder. Yes, he should be charged with accessory to murder. Black or white....it does not matter what their color is.....charge them the same. That's how I feel about this. When crime is committed they should be charged in accordiance. "

big deal wrote on Sep 30, 2008 3:48 AM:

" Why is it the only lame comment you can come up with is to try to link a black person to Al sharpton when they voice a legitimate complaint. That's like saying David Duke is going to come to every white person's rescue when they have a problem.
And again the racist application of law abounds. If the guy didn't pull the trigger why try to put the murder rap on him? Just proves my point even more. Trying to railroad justice. If he were white would you be so adamant for murder?? Doubt it. "

lol Big deal wrote on Sep 29, 2008 12:27 PM:

" If it were a black guy, Al Sharpton or the other idiot from New Orleans would be here already.

The guy with the Long case? You mean the get a away driver? He should be charged with MURDER! "

big deal wrote on Sep 27, 2008 4:03 PM:

" Again this article has generated only 20 or so responses. My point is that when the previous incident re: teacher there were a significant amt of responses in the forum. More than this one. So I believe it does play a part.I know that a few have responded with the correct sentiments but there has been a dramatically less amount of venom spewed and it's a far greater crime committed. Black man jaywalks and hang him; white guy rapes someone slap his wrist?? what's the logic to that?? I guess there's no racial overtones to that right.. "

big deal indeed wrote on Sep 26, 2008 6:35 PM:

" big deal, you can't see for your own blindness. You predicted no harsh comments because this offender is "a White guy." You have been proven wrong. There are several posts stating that he should be severely punished.

You brought race into this discussion. Others called for justice WITHOUT REGARD FOR HIS RACE. Go ahead, scream racism. Look in the mirror. "

big deal wrote on Sep 26, 2008 1:02 PM:

" Never said race was the cause of the guy raping kids if he did so. I'm saying that the interpretation of innocent till proven guilty is never evenly applied from race to race hence Ackal's comments. If it were a black guy accused would he have stood up fpr him too. I doubt it seriously. That's the point I'm making. Do you have any intelligent rebuttal to that. If not don't waste your carpal tunneling.. "

big deal wrote on Sep 26, 2008 12:58 PM:

" We don't holler racism we live through it.
We don't segregate ourselves we get isolated from the better economic areas. And if you don't think that race pays a part in it then how is it that there aren't the same amount of posts and also the tone of the other were mostly already assuming he was guilty. With the latest incident I haven't seen the same amount of passion to string the guy up. Same response as the Kid that's up for accessory for murder(Long case). You guys wanted to string him up. So i stand by my comments. "

My 2 cents wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:31 AM:

" How dare Sheriff Ackal question the motive of these two victims!!! Why can’t it simply be that they want justice for the crime committed against them? I understand that the criminal was a popular officer with the New Iberia Police Department and remained friends with some of the officers. Were the victims scared of repercussions from his friends if they filed their complaints in a timely manner?

I am wondering if some of his friends are now working for Sheriff Ackal. Their influence would explain Sheriff Ackal’s outrageous statement about the victims. "

To Concerned Citizen wrote on Sep 25, 2008 5:49 PM:

" A police officer can not be a registered sex offender. He is a former police officer who became a registered sex offender. He is actually a motorcycle salesman and has been for many years. "

To big deal wrote on Sep 25, 2008 2:53 PM:

" Why is it that it is that the black community is the FIRST to hollar racism but the first to segragate itself? (Since when do we have a mayor of Hopkins Street? lol) Race has nothing to do with this problem! "

Billie wrote on Sep 25, 2008 1:12 PM:

" I think color needs to removed from this equation all together. This is a man and actually 3 victims. There are people that say he should be "fried" and if he is guilty, he should be but our law says innocent until proven guilty. That's how it should be. There are people who say "why did they wait so long. It may have been out of shame or fear. After all he was a cop and 27 or so years ago, that would istill fear in a 7 year old child. They were babies. "

big deal wrote on Sep 25, 2008 12:59 PM:

" I guess this goes against the common belief that if you are a police officer you are immune from doing wrong. everyone likes to assume that all cops are good. I would beg to differ. Everyone is human and has the capacity to make a mistake every time we make a decision. Most are good. Some are not.
I still believe race effects views on the matter. I"m still waiting for all the outcry to begin like it was spewing for the poor teacher Sias. Where's the higher standard now..... "

big deal wrote on Sep 25, 2008 12:54 PM:

" Oh i'm a racist. What about all of those who were crying for a higher standard of judgement in the Sias case. I guess they weren't racist..Please once again New Iberia you can dish it out but you can't take the heat. I'm not racist and i'm just making an assessment of the previous events from the Sias incident. The point i'm making is Rape is a totally different crime than drugs much more serious. Yet I'm still waiting for all of those who were trying to crucify the teacher. Where are they at now?? "

concerned citizen wrote on Sep 25, 2008 12:29 PM:

" I am comcerned citizen that is worried about if a police officer can be a registered sex offender what is the world coming to. If he does that to children what will he do when he is on duty working with children? We are wondering what happened after he was released from the cops position? Is he still a registered offender? "

fran wrote on Sep 25, 2008 11:55 AM:

" Wow after 25 years and they arrested him, there have to be proof and to top it off the bond was so high. Whether he is black or white the fact is he committed a crime and it was a horrible one. We should not throw race into ever conversation on the forum, but I wonder if so much will be said against him as much as it was against Sias. Again, two kids were violated let us not forget that. "

jane doe wrote on Sep 25, 2008 9:04 AM:

" I put my name as Jane Doe for the obvious reasons of this comment. I am disgusted as to the strong language Mr. Ackal used in this article, I am a adult survivor of child molestation and date rape, I have gone threw therapy for many years, for Mr.Ackal to make a outrageous statement as he did in this article,"Why did it take so long, what triggered it, Revenge?"
You Mr. Ackal have ruin the two victims life's with your outrageous statement and accusations toward them. I think Mr.Gauthier already ruin lives by himself, he's Reg.Sex Offender!!
Jane Doe "

Deborah C. White wrote on Sep 24, 2008 11:59 PM:

" I am white and I think they need to bury him like so many others who commit this type of crime. Sitting in jail is too good for him. "

To big deal... wrote on Sep 24, 2008 10:24 PM:

" How childish of you to make a statement like this. Even though this man is white he should pay for this crime if convicted. I don't care what color you are if you have molested a child you are disgusting! And guess what? I am White! "

big deal indeed wrote on Sep 24, 2008 10:22 PM:

" Are you serious? You actually believe that someone is going to argue against punishment if this guy is convicted?

What Kool-Aid have you been drinking? "

CANALMAN wrote on Sep 24, 2008 10:11 PM:

" I have always had the belief that there are no secrets in the world. All the other past perpetrators beware, your day may come to answer for you past behavior. Should we open up these old cases of abuse? Of course. people who get away with crimes, usually repeat them. No need to wish pain and suffering on these guys, it's coming to them regardless. It's automatic. "

Just Me wrote on Sep 24, 2008 8:44 PM:

" I'm a white cop. I wouldn't waste a factory round on him. But maybe, just maybe a reload. Fry, inject, hang, I don't care. As long as is he no longer a wart on the buttocks of society, I'll be happy. "

Maria wrote on Sep 24, 2008 8:29 PM:

" Why does there have to be racism? That is so ridicoulus. People these days need to grow up. No it wasn't right what this guy did but it makes no since on why you have to be so racisit. "

Allegations wrote on Sep 24, 2008 8:03 PM:

" I have read this article twice and all I see is that 2 women have made allegations that this man raped them 20 years ago. I am sure (I hope anyway) that the Sheriff's department has more proof that they did not share with the newspaper, otherwise anybody can accuse anyone and get their face printed on the front page.

And to "big deal" if he is found guilty he should face the consequences, just as a black man should. "

A Deputies Dad wrote on Sep 24, 2008 6:00 PM:

" Big Deal, you are dead wrong...

If the guy did it, his former employment or his skin color will make no difference, and for you to throw out such racist accusations is very disingenuous and shows gross prejudice on your part. "

big deal wrote on Sep 24, 2008 2:19 PM:

" where's all the uproar now. When it was a Black teacher oh make sure he get's the harshest sentence. I wonder if that same rule will apply and there will be plenty of forum entries for a White guy who was definitely sworn(took an oath) to protect and serve. Let's hear all of the self righteous white folks comment on this one....... "

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Ex-cop accused of rape

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