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Desota Parish Sheriff's Office P.O.Box 271 " Mansfield, Louisiana 71052 Attn.: Billy Lynch Re: Larry D. Rapier Dear Sir:
It. report was received in this office at 3:00 P.M. February 2, 1981 regarding the above named individual and his wife, Haidee Rapier. The report stated that Mr. Rapier is a minister and operates a facility named Liberty Baptist Home for Boys in a rural area of the County. The report stated that Nr. Rapier slaps the boys on the face and has beaten them with his fist. Report also states that Ms. Rapier "'ill punish the boys by scratching them on the face and back with her rings.
An investigation began to determine the validity of the report. The investigation determined that the boys in the care and custody of Mr. Rapier were forced to work in chicken houses of a neighbor ""ith pay being made to 11l'. Rapier,D.B.A., Liberty Baptist Church. They attended schOOl in ElDorado at a private church school.

One individual had first hand knowledge Other individuals have hear-say knowledge of observed marks and bruises on the boys. The due to Mr. & Mrs. Rapier's continual refusal the Church talk with the boys.

of abusive ber~vior. abuse but have information is limited to allow anyone outslde

After reported refusal to allow the boys to be seen or interviewed a petition was filed with the Juvenile Court of OUachita County on February 18, 1981, requesting the assistance of the court and Sheriff's Department in conducting the investigation. That petition was granted.

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Desota Parish Sheriff's Office f.tansfield, Louisiana

Page 2

May 28, 1981

Mr. Rapier again refused to allow access to the children on February 18th. He.was assisted by an individual who kept the children hidden. Mr. Rapier requested that he be allowed to contact his attorney prior to answering any questions. Mr. Rapier was given until 9:00 A.M. the following morning to obtain legal counsel and provide the boys for an i nterv i ev and exeminetii or, Subsequently a motion for contempt of court was filedand ~ Juvenile Court order was made to have a show-cause hearing. Mr. Rapier fled the jurisciiction at that time. -e- ,. It is my opinion that the report;~of abuse in this County are probably true. Contact will be made with the individuals here for their permission to release their names and addresses to you.
If I can be of assistance please let me know.

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bert Marla DJrector Ouachita County Social Services P.O.Box 718, 701 Viser Street Camden,AR. 71701 Phone #836-8166
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