Louisiana Man Faces 100 Rape Counts In Child Sex Abuse Case

PINEVILLE, LA — A 71-year-old Pineville man faces 100 counts of rape charges dating to the 1970s and 1980s. Harvey Joseph Fountain was arrested last week after deputies with the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office learned of possible child sexual abuse in the area.

Initial reports were that Fountain, of the 300 block of Bragg Street, sexually abused kids while living in various places in the Pineville area, authorities said in a release. The abuse began in the early 1970s and continued through the early 1980s.

Investigators found evidence supporting the initial reports and arrested Fountain on 50 counts of 1st-degree rape. On Tuesday, April 9, Fountain was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center, authorities said. His bond was set at $500,000.

While jailed, investigators learned of more victims, authorities said. He was arrested again Friday on 50 more counts of 1st-degree rape and again jailed on the new charges. Online court records showed Fountain remains jailed on $1 million bond. Attorney information wasn't immediately available.

An investigation remains ongoing. More arrests are possible.

Lt. Stephen Phillips told KALB-TV first-degree rape is a capital offense in Louisiana and the case will go before a grand jury. There is no statute of limitations on the charges.