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The Slidell Child Indecency Case has reached its conclusion. Interim District Attorney Collin Sims announced the conviction of 35-year-old Samuel Juan Perry from Slidell for committing indecent acts with a child under the age of 13. The decision was reached on November 30, 2023, by District Judge Reginald Badeaux, III, after a 45-minute deliberation.

The case, which dates back to December 2021, revealed that Perry had been sexually assaulting the young victim for over a year. The abuse, which began on August 20, 2020, and continued until December 18, 2021, included inappropriate touching, penetration, and other forms of sexual abuse.

During the trial of the Slidell Child Indecency Case, the prosecution presented compelling evidence, including a voice recording where the victim first disclosed the abuse to a friend’s mother. The child’s detailed account during a forensic interview at the Children’s Advocacy Center (Hope House) added significant weight to the case.

A medical professional from Children’s Hospital provided crucial testimony about the medical examination of the victim, reinforcing the evidence of abuse. The young victim’s testimony in court, detailing the sexual abuse, was a pivotal moment in the trial.

Assistant District Attorney Zachary Popovich, in his closing argument, highlighted the victim’s consistent and detailed recollections of the abuse, arguing for the undeniable guilt of Perry in the Slidell Child Indecency Case.

In contrast, the defense questioned the credibility of the evidence and suggested alternative explanations for the victim’s accusations. However, these arguments were overshadowed by the substantial evidence presented by the prosecution.

Gabrielle Hosli, also an Assistant District Attorney, emphasized the lasting impact of these traumatic experiences on the victim, urging the court to recognize the severity of Perry’s actions.

With a prior conviction for murder and kidnapping, Perry now faces a sentence of 25 to 99 years in prison for his crimes in the Slidell Child Indecency Case. The sentencing is scheduled for December 7, 2023.

This case was overseen by District Judge Reginald Badeaux, III, with Assistant District Attorneys Gabrielle Hosli and Zachary Popovich leading the prosecution. The Children’s Advocacy Center conducted the forensic interview, and the Slidell Police Department, under Detective Scott O’Shaughnessy, managed the investigation. Judith Dodd, DNP, of the Audrey Hepburn Care Center, provided key medical testimony at the trial.