Former Port Allen Mayor Derek Lewis Charged with Rape, Second Arrest Made

Derek Lewis, 64, who served federal prison time for corruption, now faces sexual misconduct and alcohol charges involving workplace juvenile

ADDIS — Former Port Allen Mayor Derek Lewis was arrested Tuesday by West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office detectives on charges involving sexual misconduct and providing alcohol to a juvenile at their shared workplace.

Lewis, 64, was booked into the West Baton Rouge Parish Detention Center on charges of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile, according to Sheriff Jeff Bergeron.

From Mayor to Federal Prison

Lewis served as Port Allen mayor before resigning and pleading guilty to federal racketeering charges in 2012 as part of Operation Blighted Officials, an FBI corruption investigation. He was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison and ordered to pay back $19,000 after accepting bribes including Saints tickets, luxury hotel rooms, and expensive dinners in exchange for municipal contracts.

The federal case involved undercover FBI agents posing as businessmen who hooked Lewis and other officials into using their positions for personal gain. Evidence against Lewis included accepting Bayou Classic tickets, luxury suites, and confidential law enforcement documents.

Current Investigation

The latest investigation began Monday, August 11, after WBRSO detectives received a complaint of sexual misconduct involving Lewis and a juvenile at their place of employment.

"Through the course of the investigation, detectives learned that Lewis provided alcohol to the juvenile and engaged in indecent behavior actions," Sheriff Bergeron stated in the press release.

Lewis was initially held without bond but received a $250,000 bond following a court hearing.

Additional Charges Filed

UPDATE - Thursday, August 15: The investigation has expanded significantly since the initial arrest. WBRSO detectives obtained additional evidence, resulting in Derek Lewis being additionally charged with Third Degree Rape.

Detectives have also arrested Wyennetti Williams, 67, of Port Allen, on charges of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile in connection with the same investigation.

Sheriff's office officials continue to indicate this remains an active investigation.

No further details about the workplace location or specific circumstances were released due to the ongoing investigation.

Legal Background

Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile is a felony in Louisiana, carrying potential penalties of up to 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole. Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile is typically charged as a misdemeanor but can be elevated depending on circumstances.

The charges stem from Louisiana Revised Statutes that protect minors from sexual exploitation and harmful influences by adults in positions of authority or access.

Pattern of Legal Troubles

Lewis's current arrest marks his second major encounter with law enforcement. During his 2011 corruption case, Lewis initially claimed he wasn't "on the take" but admitted to receiving "gifts or perks" from FBI agents posing as businessmen seeking municipal contracts.

His federal conviction resulted from agreeing to recruit other mayors in exchange for luxury accommodations, sporting event tickets, and expensive meals at restaurants like Ruth's Chris and Drago's.

What's Next

The case will proceed through the West Baton Rouge Parish court system, with formal charges likely to be filed by the District Attorney's office following completion of the sheriff's office investigation.

This is a developing story. Check WBRIndependent.com for updates as more information becomes available.

For more West Baton Rouge Parish news and public safety updates, visit WBRIndependent.com

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