Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright reports the conviction of James Joseph Karlson, 54 of New Llano, of first-degree rape with a victim under the age of 13. The trial of Karlson began on Nov. 17 in the 30th Judicial District Court before the Honorable Judge C. Anthony Eaves. Jurors began hearing testimony on Nov. 18 and the jury received the case for consideration on Nov. 20. The jurors returned a verdict of guilty of first-degree rape, with a victim under the age of 13, after less than 30 minutes of deliberation.

“The facts of this case were very disturbing and difficult,” said Lambright. “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 the very professional work done in this investigation.”

Karlson will be sentenced to serve life in prison with the Louisiana Department of Corrections without the benefit of probation or parole based on his conviction. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ronald Seastrunk.

“I want to thank Mr. Seastrunk for all of his hard work in preparing and prosecuting this case,” said Lambright. “Cases of this nature are very emotional not only for the victims and their families but everyone in the judicial process to include the jurors. My office will continue to work hard every day to protect the people of Vernon Parish and do everything within my authority to remove those individuals who pose a threat.”