Mamou police investigation leads to molestation, rape charges

What started as an investigation of child neglect by Mamou police led to child molestation and aggravated rape charges earlier this month.
“A doctor reported to OCS (the state Office of Children Services) about a case of a five-year-old boy who had a venereal disease,” in Mamou, said Mamou Detective Marie Potter.
Potter began an investigation in November by questioning people. She involved a Lafayette psychiatrist, who interviewed the child, and Hearts of Hope in Lafayette, which has a Sexual Abuse Response Center.
Potter’s investigation led to the identity of a second victim, the four-year-old sister of the boy. The detective’s investigation also led to the identity of a suspect, Michael Joseph Sleman, 54, 5527 Veterans Memorial Highway, Apt. 1, Mamou.
He was arrested last Friday, April 4, at his apartment and was transported to the parish jail, where he is being held on charges of molestation of a juvenile (two counts) and aggravated sexual battery of a juvenile. He is being held in the jail on a $150,000 bond. Potter’s investigation determined Sleman is a friend of the juvenile victims’ family.
Mamou Police Chief Greg Dupuis said the investigation is continuing and more charges are possible. The children are in foster care.