Staff report

Louisiana State Troopers have charged a former Baldwin police officer with molesting a juvenile, a 14-year-old girl who lived in his home.

Troopers confirmed Thursday afternoon that Joseph Brent of Baldwin was charged after the girl gave birth this month.

In a new release, Troopers said Brent, 39, was initially investigated for distributing illegal narcotics, a charge that was not proven. But in the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Brent had made the child pregnant.

The teen victim gave birth to a child this month. Using DNA samples, Louisiana State Police Crime Lab investigators determined that Brent fathered the infant.

Brent was arrested at his place of employment and taken to the St. Mary Parish Jail. There, he was charged with molestation of a juvenile, malfeasance in office, sexual battery and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.