Woman Loses Custody Of Daughter To Her Alleged Rapist, Has To Pay Child Support

WBRZ reported that a Louisiana woman said she was impregnated during a sexual assault when her daughter lost custody of her. She was ordered to pay child support.

Crysta and John met at a bar in the city of hammond. He offered to take her to her house.

He brought me to his house instead of taking me home. He raped me on the couch.

She was pregnant after the attack. She said most people thought the child was her boyfriend.

Is that correct? He told the news station that he allowed them to believe that.

After giving birth to a baby girl, she began to rebuild her life. Barnes pursued custody of the girl when he found out he was a father. Barnes got 50% of the custody at the time.

According to WBRZ, Barnes was proven to be the father through a DNA test. Even if the sexual encounter between the two had been consensual, it would not be legal in Louisiana because the age of consent is 17.

She was able to report the crime in 2015.

She said that if she didn't report Barnes the next day, there was nothing she could do. He said you have 30 years after you turn 18 to heal.

Barnes was accused of rape by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office and the case remains open. The report was filed almost a decade ago.

It was never assigned to a detective.

It is not uncommon. Out of four sexual assaults, three are not reported to police. Only 13 cases of rape are referred to prosecutors according to RAINN. Seven cases lead to felony convictions.

According to WBRZ, a judge granted Barnes full custody of their daughter this year after Barnes claimed that his wife gave him a cellphone.

The court records were inexplicably sealed.

She said he has connections in the justice system and she needs to be careful. I didn't think he was right until it happened.

The Ponchatoula Police Department is listed as a client by Barnes' business, Gumbeaux Digital branding. The department's name is not listed on the business's website. When one clicks on the option for a free quote, the website appears to be under construction.

The District Attorney confirmed that he is reviewing the case less than a day after the interview.

Are you in need of assistance? The National Sexual Violence Resource Center has an online hotline.

The article was first published on HuffPost.