Former Sheriff Convicted of Sexually Abusing Young Children, Faces Life in Prison
'You are a monster and a predator'
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A former Louisiana sheriff faces life in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing children, according to reports.
Jack Strain, who served as sheriff at St. Tammany Parish for 20 years, was charged with eight counts of sex crimes against juvenile boys in 2019.
Strain was found guilty on November 8 following testimony from five victims.
"You hurt me in so many ways," one accuser said.
"You are a monster and a predator."
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Strain was branded a coward by another victim.
AP reported one of the victim's counselors testified get had developed PTSD, while another said the abuse led to drug abuse.
Strain also faces charges from an inmate work-release contract tied to the sex crimes case.
A co-defendant who pleaded guilty accused Strain of abusing him as a child before going on to work for the former sheriff.
Strain pleaded not guilty to the federal charges.
Local news outlet NOLA reported Strain showed no emotion throughout the trial, only showing signs of emotion after the verdict.
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Strain was escorted from the courtroom after embracing his wife and children.
"The evidence was compelling, overwhelming, and convincing," North Shore District Attorney Warren Montgomery said.
Strain was charged with four counts of aggravated rape, two counts of aggravated incest, and one count each of sexual battery and indecent behavior with a juvenile.
He will be sentenced on January 18.
Aggravated rape carries a mandatory life sentence, and the allegations included crimes that took place before and during his time as sheriff.
One of Strain's victims said he worked for Strain at the sheriff's office when he was deeply in debt.
The jury heard testimony from five men who said Strain had ruined their childhoods.
One accuser was a family member of strain, who said he was molested while he was a sophomore in high school.
