BERWICK, La. — A 33-year-old man has been arrested on five counts of first-degree rape following an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a child under the age of 13, according to the Berwick Police Department.
Police said the investigation began Friday afternoon, September 18, after officers received a complaint concerning the alleged sexual abuse of a minor at a residence on Oregon Street in Berwick.
Investigators identified 33-year-old Miguel Adan Lux Pu as the alleged offender. According to police, Pu lived in the same residence as the child and is a relative of the victim.
During the investigation, detectives conducted interviews and gathered evidence related to the allegations. Police said Pu admitted during an interview to having sexual intercourse with the child on multiple occasions during 2025.
Investigators subsequently obtained an arrest warrant for Pu. He was arrested and booked into the Berwick Jail on five counts of first-degree rape involving a victim under the age of 13.
Police said investigators also contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding Pu’s immigration status. According to the Berwick Police Department, ICE placed an immigration detainer on Pu pending further proceedings. Police said investigators were informed that Pu, a native of Guatemala, had previously been deported from the United States and later unlawfully reentered the country approximately five to six years ago.
Berwick Police Chief J.P. Henry called crimes against children “among the most horrific cases” law enforcement officers are called upon to investigate and said his department will aggressively investigate allegations involving the sexual abuse of children.
Henry also said the department will work with local, state and federal agencies when someone accused of committing crimes in the community is unlawfully in the United States.
“Our children deserve to feel safe in their own homes, and we will continue doing everything within our authority to protect them,” Henry said.
Henry also commended Berwick Police investigators for their work on the case, saying they moved quickly to gather information and evidence and take the suspect into custody.
Pu remained booked in the Berwick Jail. No bond had been set at the time of the department’s release, and an ICE detainer had been placed on him.
The investigation remains ongoing. Because the case involves a minor who is the alleged victim of a sexual offense, authorities said no information that could identify the child will be released.
The charges are allegations, and Pu is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
