All persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Michael A. Tilford, 26-years-old, of Fir St. Labadieville, LA, was arrested on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at 10:34AM, on the following charges:
Second Degree Rape
Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles
On June 6, 2022, Berwick Police Detectives began an investigation into the rape of a 16-year-old juvenile that reportedly occurred in Berwick in November 2021, in which Tilford was identified as the suspect. Throughout the course of the investigation, detectives uncovered evidence that supported the victim’s alleged claims, as well as additional evidence that linked Tilford to the crime.
Arrest warrants were secured for Tilford’s arrest, and on July 19th, he was taken into custody. During an interview, Tilford admitted to his involvement in the crime. Tilford was processed on the warrants at the Berwick Police Department then transferred to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for incarceration.