New Iberia – A St. Martinville man who previously pled guilty to third degree rape on April 29 was sentenced to the maximum 25 years at hard labor by Judge Roger Hamilton Jr. at a sentencing hearing on July 14.
In this case, the juvenile victim reported that Travis Alexander, 36, raped her. She was examined by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). SANE nurses are nurses with specialized training who gather evidence and provide comprehensive care to victims of sexual assault.
DNA testing from that sexual assault kit tested positive for Alexander’s DNA. Additionally, Alexander made inculpatory statements in text messages recovered by law enforcement.
At the sentencing hearing, both the SANE nurse and Detective J. Boudreaux with the St. Martinville Police Department testified.
Alexander was sentenced to the maximum sentence — 25 years at hard labor without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.
Rape
Victims of sexual assault or people who know someone who is a victim of sexual assault are asked to contact their local law enforcement and report the abuse.
In Acadiana, Hearts of Hope provides resources to victims of sexual assault, including advocacy, counseling, and support. Their 24-hour crisis line can be reached at 337 -233-7273.
The case was prosecuted by Alister Charrier and was investigated by the St. Martinville Police Department with assistance from the Acadiana Criminalistics Laboratory.
