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A married couple has been arrested concerning the alleged sexual abuse of two children in Bogalusa. The Bogalusa Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division received a referral regarding the disturbing incident on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

According to the investigation, detectives identified Brandon Ellis, the stepfather of the two children, aged 9 and 11, as the primary suspect involved in sexually abusing them.

On Thursday, July 27, 2023, Brandon Ellis was apprehended on multiple charges, including two counts of LRS 14:42 First Degree Rape, two counts of LRS 14:43.1 Sexual Battery, two counts of LRS 14:43.3 Oral Sexual Battery, and two counts of LRS 14:35.3 Domestic Abuse Battery.

During the investigation, law enforcement also uncovered the involvement of Mary Diaz, the mother of the two children. Mary Diaz was arrested on the same day as Brandon Ellis and is facing charges of LRS 14:42 Principal to First Degree Rape, two counts of LRS 14:35.3 Domestic Abuse Battery, and LRS 14:131.1 Failure to Report the Commission of Certain Felonies.

The authorities have not disclosed specific details about the alleged incidents to protect the privacy and well-being of the victims. The identities of the children have been withheld to maintain their confidentiality.

Due to the sensitive nature of the charges and the involvement of minors, the police department is exercising extreme caution in releasing information to the public. Further updates on the case may be provided later, pending the progress of the ongoing investigation.