The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Department says a previously convicted child sex offender has been arrested after he was allegedly caught in the act with another child, and then fled into Texas.
According to Sheriff Sam Craft, 35-year-old Thomas A. McCartney, of Leesville, was arrested on Monday following an investigation that began the night before. Craft says McCartney’s girlfriend has a 7-year-old daughter, and she walked in and caught him engaging in sexual activity with the child.
Craft noted that in 2006, McCartney was charged with felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile, and in 2010 he was charged with two counts of Aggravated Rape, the victim being 12-years-old. Craft said McCartney is a Tier 3 registered sex offender in Louisiana, which he said is the most severe of all convictions and those offenders carry the highest chance of a repeat offense.
According to Craft, after the mother caught him in the act, a disturbance involving a weapon ensued, and then McCartney fled. Craft said deputies used technology to track McCartney to a location in east Houston, and he was captured there on Monday.
McCartney is now charged with First Degree Rape and awaiting extradition back to Vernon Parish.
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