By Rita LeBleu and Doris Maricle

Two Southwest Louisiana men were arrested on New Year’s Day and charged in separate rape cases.

Lake Charles Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Brenda Treadway said a home invasion and sexual assault occurred Sunday in the 300 block of West McNeese Street. That afternoon, an arrest was made without incident and the suspect booked into the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center.

Treadway said the victim told officers she had been beaten and sexual assaulted.

It was learned the suspect, identified as 21-year-old Joseph Milton Ryan of Lake Charles, forced entry into the home through a rear window, entering a room where the victim was sleeping.

Detectives were able to obtain video surveillance and a suspect vehicle description and located the suspect at his residence in the 5600 block of Elliott Road. He was booked on the charges of first-degree rape, home invasion and second-degree battery.

Judge Robert Wyatt assigned the total bond amount of $250,000.

Treadway said the investigation is ongoing and anyone with additional information is asked to contact Lead Detective Sgt. Christoper Johnson at 337-491-1311.

A 60-year-old Jennings man was arrested Sunday by the Jennings Police Department on multiple sex-related charges involving a victim under the age of 13.

William Charles Kershaw was arrested on five counts of first-degree rape involving a victim under 13, six counts of molestation of a juvenile and two counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile.

He also faces a contempt of court charge.

Kershaw was arrested without incident and booked into the Jeff Davis Parish Jail. His bond has not been set.