Cops have arrested a man they say raped children in Louisiana for decades. The charges keep increasing as more disturbing evidence is uncovered.
"The crimes allegedly began in the early 1970’s and continued through the early 1980’s," The Rapides Parish Sheriff's office said in a news release. "Harvey Joseph Fountain 71, of 301 Bragg Street Pineville perpetrated the sexually based crimes upon juveniles while at various locations that he resided, in the Pineville area."
The investigation began with a tip earlier this month.
"On April 1st, 2019 deputies received a complaint of possible criminal sexual conduct involving juveniles."
Authorities say after deputies took the initial report, they started to discover the case may be much larger.
"Through their investigation, detectives were able to gather evidence that supported the original allegations which lead to sufficient probable cause being established and warrants were granted for Fountain’s arrest in reference to (50) Fifty Counts of 1st Degree Rape."
Last week the case got even bigger.
"On April 9th, 2019, Fountain was located and taken into custody without incident. Fountain was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center in reference to the warrants. Bonds were set on the charges which totaled $500,000.00. As Fountain remained in jail, Detectives continued their investigation and additional victims were identified. Sufficient probable cause was established and warrants were granted for Fountain’s arrest in reference to (50) Fifty additional Counts of 1st Degree Rape."
On Friday, Fountain was rearrested and rebooked.
"Fountain remains at the parish jail in lieu of posting his initial $500,000.00 bond and bonds have yet to be set in reference to the additional charges."
Police say their investigation is still ongoing and more arrests are possible.
"If anyone has information relating to like crimes involving Harvey Joseph Fountain you are asked to contact, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Main Office (318) 473-6700, Detective Jason Brumfield (318) 484-7350, Detectives (318) 473-6727, or Crime Stoppers at (318) 443-7867."