A Caddo Parish man who showed pornography to and fondled a tender-aged female was found guilty at trial in Caddo District Court Friday, July 10, 2026.
Jimmy Wendt of Keithville, 68, was judged by a seven-woman, five-man jury in District Judge Chris Victory’s court, which deliberated for just over an hour before returning its verdict of guilty as charged on both counts, indecent behavior with a juvenile under age 13 and sexual battery on a victim under age 13.
The victim was between ages five and seven during the time of the offense, though she did not disclose the abuse until last year. Jurors heard from the victim, her parents, and detectives from Caddo and Desoto Parishes. The victim went to a child advocacy center, where she gave a statement about what happened to her. Local law enforcement was able to determine the offense happened in Caddo parish off Barron Road. The child’s parents told the jury how Wendt would provide childcare for the victim while they were at work and described the layout of the home, which was consistent with what the victim described.
When Wendt returns for sentencing on August 12, 2026, he faces from two to 25 years at hard labor with at least two years to be served without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence on the indecent behavior conviction, and from 25 to 99 years at hard labor with at least 25 years to be served without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence on the sexual battery conviction. He must register as a sex offender for life as well.
Assistant District Attorneys Courtney N. Ray and Victoria Washington prosecuted Wendt, who was defended by Michael Enright and Carter Lawrence.
The case was docket No. 413022.
