LEESVILLE, La. (KPLC) - A New Llano man has been found guilty of raping a child in Vernon Parish.

After less than 30 minutes of deliberation, a Vernon Parish jury found James Karlson, 54, guilty of first-degree rape, with a victim under the age of 13, prosecutors said.

On Aug. 2, 2023 , Karlson was arrested on counts of molestation of a juvenile, indecent behavior with a juvenile, second-degree rape, and oral sexual battery. In April 2024 , a Vernon Parish grand jury indicted Karlson for first-degree rape.

“The facts of this case were very disturbing and difficult. I want to thank the victim and the victim’s family in this case for working with our office to get this case to trial. I also wish to thank the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Rapides Children’s Advocacy Center for

See Full Page