A man in Louisiana, the US, has been found guilty of multiple charges for sexually abusing a family member over several years, resulting in her pregnancy. Larry Darby, aged 61, repeatedly assaulted the victim from when she was 12 years old between 2003 and 2009. The abuse involved severe physical harm, including knocking out her upper teeth and leaving permanent scars on her neck.

The victim testified that the assaults led to her becoming pregnant with Darby’s child, which she was compelled to carry to term. DNA evidence conclusively proved Darby as the father, advancing the investigation that had stalled in 2005. The case was reopened when additional evidence surfaced, as reported by local outlet KSLA.

After a trial at Caddo District Court, Darby was convicted of aggravated rape, two counts of aggravated incest, and sexual battery. He is facing a mandatory life sentence for the rape charge, with the possibility of an additional 50 years in prison. The convictions for aggravated incest could result in up to 20 years each at hard labor, and up to 10 years for sexual battery.

Darby is scheduled for sentencing on January 27. Caddo Parish District Attorney James E Stewart Sr stated that justice prevailed despite the delay in the case. He emphasized that the victim’s courage in coming forward was crucial in securing the convictions and highlighted the importance of supporting abuse survivors.

Court records show that Darby committed the offenses while living in Caddo Parish before relocating to Bossier City, Louisiana, and then Texas. Prosecutors pointed to a previous conviction in 2022 for assaulting a stepchild to establish a pattern of abuse by Darby.

The successful prosecution was attributed to the victim’s bravery in testifying and the jury’s thorough evaluation of the evidence. The Caddo District Attorney’s Office stressed the need to listen to survivors and ensure that systems respond appropriately to reports of abuse.