Special to the American Press

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit has charged Shannon E. Morris Jr., 26, Lake Charles, after a series of crimes that began in Calcasieu Parish and extended into neighboring parishes.

On Jan. 31, during the early morning hours, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched in reference to a sexual assault. During the investigation detectives learned Morris arrived at the victim’s residence at approximately 3 a.m.  When the victim opened the door, Morris forced his way inside, locking the door behind him. Once inside the victim advised detectives Morris demanded money from her, raped her, and threatened her life while claiming to have a gun. Before leaving, he stole the victim’s gun and forced her to drive him to a location in Iowa.

A short time later, deputies were notified in reference to a second incident involving Morris, which occurred around 8 a.m. the same morning in the parking lot of a store on Miller Avenue in Iowa. According to the victim an unknown man, later identified as Morris, approached her with a firearm demanding a ride to Jennings. The victim attempted to let Morris take the vehicle, but he forced her into the passenger seat and left the business, driving east on I-10. The incident continued into Acadia Parish, where additional investigations with other law enforcement agencies are ongoing.

Further investigation revealed that on Jan. 30, Morris arrived at another victim’s home in Lake Charles during the early morning hours. The victim stated Morris advised he had something for her. Once inside the home, Morris made unwanted sexual advances and sexually assaulted the victim. She stated he locked her in a room and prevented her from leaving, while claiming he had a gun. The victim was eventually able to get Morris to leave the residence.

Based on the investigations, between Feb 1 and Feb. 4, CPSO detectives issued 3 warrants for Morris’ arrest signed by Judge Tony Fazzio. Morris, who is currently incarcerated in the Lafayette Parish Jail, is charged with 2nd degree rape; theft of a firearm; unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling; 2nd degree kidnapping; aggravated assault with a firearm; possession of a weapon by a convicted felon; attempted 2nd degree rape; sexual battery; and false imprisonment.  His total bond is set at $3.23 million. He also has a hold from Probation & Parole.

The investigations are ongoing. The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Crowley Police Department, and Duson Police Department are assisting CPSO in the investigations.

CPSO Special Victims Unit Detective Elizabeth Ivey is the lead investigator on this case.