Sabine grand jury indicts couple in child's alleged sexual abuse

MANY, La. -- A Sabine Parish couple accused in the sexual abuse of a young girl will be arraigned Thursday in Sabine District Court following their indictments on Monday. A Sabine Parish grand jury returned true bills against Justin Lane Parrie, 43, and his wife Catherine Hippler Parrie, 34, both of Many, on assorted charges. First Assistant District Attorney Anna Garcie presented the cases to the panel. Each faces the possibility of serving life sentences if convicted. Justin Parrie was indicted for first-degree rape of a juvenile under the age of 13 and molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13. The first-degree rape charge carries a life sentence. Sentencing for molestation ranges from 25 to 99 years. Catherine Parrie was indicted on accessory after the fact to first-degree rape of a juvenile under the age of 13, principal to first-degree rape of a juvenile under the age of 13, principal to molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13 and failure to report the commission of certain felonies. Her possible prison exposure if convicted of principal to first-degree rape and principal to molestation are identical to Justin Parrie's -- life in prison on the first and 25 to 99 years on the second. The accessory after the fact and failure to report could add up to another six years. Sabine Parish sheriff's deputies arrested the couple late last month on allegations that Justin Parrie sexually abused a 12-year-old girl in February 2023. Detectives said Catherine Parrie knew about it but urged the child not to tell anyone. Both remain in jail.