Grand jurors have indicted a man who allegedly raped and molested a child after breaking into a Covington home.
"District Attorney J. Collin Sims reports that on May 15, 2024, a St. Tammany Parish grand jury indicted Zachary Lepine, age 34 of Tickfaw," Public Information Officer Shawn Smith said in a news release.
Charges include first degree rape of a child under 13, sexual battery of a child under 13, molestation of a child under 13, and aggravated burglary.
"The case involves the break-in of a Covington residence during the night of January 15, 2024 and the sexual assault of a juvenile inside."
Covington PD said in January that CPD responded to a residence on East Magee Street in Covington after a report of someone breaking into the occupied home.
Investigators determined that Lepine entered the residence, committed the sex crimes and fled when confronted by the homeowner.
They chased him down several blocks away.
“At this time, it does not appear Lepine knew the victim or had connections to our community,” said Chief Michael Ferrell.
