Anthony James Jelks Jr., 25, was arrested on September 8, 2025, for first-degree rape of a 4-year-old girl after turning himself in at Baton Rouge Police Department headquarters following a month-long investigation.
Arrest documents indicate Jelks raped the child on August 1, 2025, at a home off Greenwell Springs Road. The child was taken to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center on August 5, 2025, complaining of redness and irritation around her genitals.
A sexual assault nurse examiner tested the child for sexually transmitted diseases, and she tested positive for chlamydia. During a forensic interview at the Baton Rouge Children’s Advocacy Center, the child told investigators that Jelks “pulled her pants down” and “did things to her.”
The complainant, who allowed the child to stay overnight at Jelks’ residence from August 1 to 2, 2025, reported that she had also contracted chlamydia from Jelks several years earlier.
Jelks was previously investigated in November 2022 for indecent behavior with a 9-year-old girl, attempting to solicit lewd photos via Instagram messenger. He has a lengthy criminal history, including six arrests over six years for firearm charges, domestic violence battery, violation of protective orders, and child endangerment, with his probation revoked in December 2024.
Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse expressed frustration over repeated arrests of career criminals like Jelks, citing low bonds and the need for dialogue on recidivism. An active arrest warrant was issued before Jelks’ surrender, and the case remains under investigation by the Special Victims Unit.
