Where Is Keiosha Felix?: Adults Who Last Saw Teen Mom (15) Lied To Cops & Louisiana Police Chief May Have Hindered Investigation Of The Child’s Sexual Abuse
Posted by David Adams on November 28th, 2012
When 15-year-old Keiosha Felix left a group home on April 30, 2012 that she was placed in as a ward for the state of Louisiana, the troubled youth was on a weekend pass to visit relatives in Duson, La., and that would be the last time the teen mom would be heard from or seen ever again. Relatives told cops the teen had left their home on that day, but the family had since been in contact with her via telephone calls. One of them even told police that she had overheard Keiosha’s voice talking on the phone. That information led police to classify the teen’s strange disappearance as a runaway case. It wasn’t until 30 days later that Keiosha’s case became more clear after cops found out that the teen had not been in contact with her family, and that the child had previously reported being sexually assaulted by the boy friend of Keiosha’s aunt Patricia Andrus.
It’s unclear how cops were able to obtain information regarding the alleged sexual assault, but if those reports are accurate it’s even more disturbing that child care officials or caregivers of Keiosha would even allow her to visit her aunt’s home where the alleged sexual assault and rape had reportedly occurred. The assault revelations sparked a shift in the Duson Police investigation of the case. Duson Police Chief Frank Andrew stated that police got a late start on the case “because of the lies that were told by the parties involved.” Further investigations determined that Keiosha had in fact not been in contact with her family as her cousin Portia Felix had previously alleged. The inconsistencies in the family’s story caused lead investigator Lt. Gerald Credeur to file charges against four of Keiosha’s relatives.
Leon Wilkerson Jr., 43, was arrested in Zachary, LA in July on warrants of second-degree kidnapping and simple rape. Wilkerson is the boy friend of Keiosha’s aunt Patricia Andrus. When Wilkerson was first taken into custody many from the public raised questions as to whether Wilkerson was in fact the father of Keiosha’s 1-year-old daughter. It’s also uncertain if the teen’s caregivers from the state even pursued paternity of the juvenile’s child. However, others were subsequently charged related to the sexual assault allegations. West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested Ronald Wilkerson, 40, and charged him with kidnapping. He’s the brother of Leon Wilkerson, 43 who was arrested about two weeks prior related to the Felix teen disappearance. When the younger Wilkerson was taken into custody he stated, “I don’t know her (Keiosha Felix)” and that “I am caught up in my brother’s mess” .
Duson police also arrested the teen’s aunt Patricia Andrus and chargde her with improper supervision of a minor, and accessory to rape. Charges against the teen’s aunt stem from statements she allegedly made during initial interviews with police. Her arrest affidavit alleges Andrus lied about her boyfriend, Leon Wilkerson, being accused of raping Keiosha. When Lt. Credeur asked her again, “Andrus started crying.” The document alleges Keiosha told her aunt there was some inappropriate sexual contact. When asked if Wilkerson raped Keiosha, “Ms. Andrus continued to cry and would not answer.” Andrus also allegedly told investigators that she was unaware of any rape but that her boyfriend may have “played with her privates”, and then said she didn’t report the alleged rape to police nor the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services, because Wilkerson told her it wasn’t true, “so she left it alone.”
Portia Felix who was the 4th adult and a cousin to the Felix teen, was also charged in the case. The affidavit states that on July 25, Duson police questioned Portia several times, asking her why she lied and made police believe family had been in contact with Keiosha. “Portia stated she don’t know why she did it.” According to the document, Lt. Gerald Credeur accuses Portia of lying to police during several interviews. The affidavit confirms police initially considered Keiosha a runaway and not a missing person since family claimed to be in touch with her. The inconsistencies in the stories of those who were around the teen on the day she disappeared led to the arrest, but the case took another strange twist. The lead Investigator Gerald Credeur came under fire from the Duson police department.
Duson Police Chief Frank Andrew announced that Assistant Chief Lt. Gerald Credeur had been removed from the Keiosha Felix case because of substandard performance. He would not elaborate on specific reasons. The department also said it had began conducting their own internal investigation. But Felix’s family says, they want Creduer back on the case. Felix’s aunt Lena Lewis says the family is shocked and upset. They say they were happy with the way Credeur was handling the case. “He put his heart and soul in this case and was doing everything he could to find Keiosha.” The family also pointed out the fact that Credeur had discovered inconsistencies in the stories of the adults who were around the teen when she disappeared. Lewis says Credeur would often call the family, sometimes in the middle of the night, to update them. She says the family trusted him. “If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We wouldn’t have any answers,” said Celie Batiste.
Lewis’ sister Celie Batiste says she went to see Duson Police Chief Frank Andrew after she heard Credeur would no longer be working the case. “I asked him to please give me answers, but he told me “hell no,” said Batiste. “The Chief of Police never called us with concerns or anything. All the information we received was from Mr. Credeur,” added Lewis. We stopped by the Duson Police Department to get some answers, but no one was there. Lewis is now worried, that without Credeur the case will be put on the back burner. She hopes whoever takes over the case will remember what the focus is (to find Keiosha). On Tuesday, September 4, 2012, Police Chief Frank Andrew strangely began referring all questions to legal counsel for the town of Duson, the Andrus & Andrus Lawfirm (notice the name of the law firm Andrus & Andrus just happens to be the same as Patricia Andrus who was also charged in connection to the Felix teen disappearance).
Attorney Brad Andrus had no comment, pending the ongoing investigation. “We’re not going to stop until we get answers. No matter what the situation is, we just want her home,” added Lewis. Twelve days after Chief Andrew removed it’s lead investigator on 9/11/2012 from the Felix teen disappearance case, Lt. Credeur was suspended without pay, and charged with violating the constitutional rights of at least two individuals who were arrested in connection with Felix teen disappearance. Credeur is accused of conducting illegal searches and seizures, providing false testimony and making at least two unlawful arrests. Duson Chief of Police Frank Andrew made the recommendation for suspension before the town’s council. two days later on 9/13/2012 all charges were dropped against Leon Wilkerson for the rape and kidnapping allegations. Many observers site the fact that Felix who was the alleged victim in the case, and continues to be missing. It’s just too difficult to bring such charges without statements from the victim.
Charges against the other three adults related to the case had already been dropped at the direction of Chief Andrew. The case was transferred to the Lafayette, Louisiana Sherrif’s Office. The change of venue was more than likely do to a conflict of interest once it was learned that Duson Chief of police Frank Andrew was in fact related to the Felix teen’s aunt Patricia Andrus. The discovery was made during Credeurs termination hearing when Chief Andrew called for Credeur’s arrest citing that Credeur had left him in the dark on the Felix investigation. Andrew said, “He would brief me on some things, but then I’d find out that some of those things were not true.” Credeurs attorney who represented Credeur at the termination hearing fired back. Joslyn Alex presented the town’s council with text messages, which apparently show frequent communication between Credeur and Andrew. In the alleged text messages from August 13, 2012, Lt. Credeur wrote Chief Andrew with apparent doubts about the case.
Credeur: “Chief I’m done…they been trying to get something on us.”
Andrew: “No, it’s cool… You winning!”
The text contradicts Andrew’s claims that Credeur had left him out of the loop on the Felix case. Chief Andrew also allegedly disclosed he is related to Keiosha Felix. Writing on August 17th:
Andrew: “Missing girl grandma is my 1st cousin, her great grandma is my daddy’s sister.”
Credeur: “Damn y’all close…Have your family come in for an interview…lmao. And I don’t like your cousin Patricia.”
Andrew: “Guess I’m a suspect too, huh…”
Credeur: “Yea just bring the girl back…and tell your cousin in-law leon I don’t like him. Lmao. I’m gonna need your DNA…Lol.”
Andrew: “I’ll get a lil family history today, having a get together in maurice…”
It’s unclear if the Patricia referenced in the above conversation is in fact Patricia Andrus, Keiosha’s aunt, who was charged with accessory to rape and improper supervision of a minor in the 15 year old’s disappearance. In one instance, Credeur also showed his reluctance to deal with the media.
Credeur: “Why the (expletive) is tv 3 still calling me..I’m not answering…you give [all] media details..lol.”
Andrew: “I talk to them..Just got off the [phone], with them.”
Credeur: “Cool thanks…you the man.”
That text exchange doesn’t offer the Duson police department’s top brass in a flattering light, but it does indicate that the two top cops were cordial, at least while discussing the Felix investigation. It’s simply strange that Andrew apparently flip the script on Lt. Credeur, ordering his firing, and opening the door for charges to be dropped against all four of the adults (two of which are his blood relatives) who lied to cops about the troubled teen’s disappearance from the very start. After glancing over some of the above text messages, some council members wanted to delay action on Credeur’s employment status, however a motion to delay failed by a vote of 3-2. Credeur’s termination was approved by that same margin. The Federal Bureau of Investigations have now reportedly gotten involved in the Felix investigation and have offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the discovery of the teen mom’s whereabouts. The Lafayette Sherrif office is asking for the public’s help in identifying the man pictured below. He is not a suspect in the case, but authorities believe he may have had contact with the Felix teen. He purchased a device at a local cellular store. That device was used in some communication with Keiosha. Police believe he purchased that device for someone else and want to identify him;
Person of interest in the Keiosha Felix disappearance investigation. The women in the picture is not Keiosha. Cops believe the man may be able to aid in the child’s disappearance case.
Other efforts are also being mad to locate the teen. Ms. Tammy Charles who is unrelated to the Felix teen, just a concerned citizen who has launched a campaign to help locate the child. Ms. Charles has been on Internet Radio Broadcast shows like “Peas In Their Pods” advocating awareness for the teen’s story. Several websites have also emerged bringing awareness to the Felix disappearance at Find Keiosha Now on Facebook , www.findkeioshanow.com, and Youtube Information Video. Anyone with information regarding the tragic and heartbreaking story of young Keiosha Marie Felix is encouraged to utilize the contact information below:
Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office (337) 232-9211
Lafayette Crime Stoppers (337) 232-8477
Federal Bureau of Investigations (337) 233-2164 or (504) 816-3000
Missing and Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678
The People’s Champion
I’m David Adams
Sources:
News One
Peas In Their Pods
3 KATC.com
CNN iReport
When 15-year-old Keiosha Felix left a group home on April 30, 2012 that she was placed in as a ward for the state of Louisiana, the troubled youth was on a weekend pass to visit relatives in Duson, La., and that would be the last time the teen mom would be heard from or seen ever again. Relatives told cops the teen had left their home on that day, but the family had since been in contact with her via telephone calls. One of them even told police that she had overheard Keiosha’s voice talking on the phone. That information led police to classify the teen’s strange disappearance as a runaway case. It wasn’t until 30 days later that Keiosha’s case became more clear after cops found out that the teen had not been in contact with her family, and that the child had previously reported being sexually assaulted by the boy friend of Keiosha’s aunt Patricia Andrus.
It’s unclear how cops were able to obtain information regarding the alleged sexual assault, but if those reports are accurate it’s even more disturbing that child care officials or caregivers of Keiosha would even allow her to visit her aunt’s home where the alleged sexual assault and rape had reportedly occurred. The assault revelations sparked a shift in the Duson Police investigation of the case. Duson Police Chief Frank Andrew stated that police got a late start on the case “because of the lies that were told by the parties involved.” Further investigations determined that Keiosha had in fact not been in contact with her family as her cousin Portia Felix had previously alleged. The inconsistencies in the family’s story caused lead investigator Lt. Gerald Credeur to file charges against four of Keiosha’s relatives.
Leon Wilkerson Jr., 43, was arrested in Zachary, LA in July on warrants of second-degree kidnapping and simple rape. Wilkerson is the boy friend of Keiosha’s aunt Patricia Andrus. When Wilkerson was first taken into custody many from the public raised questions as to whether Wilkerson was in fact the father of Keiosha’s 1-year-old daughter. It’s also uncertain if the teen’s caregivers from the state even pursued paternity of the juvenile’s child. However, others were subsequently charged related to the sexual assault allegations. West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested Ronald Wilkerson, 40, and charged him with kidnapping. He’s the brother of Leon Wilkerson, 43 who was arrested about two weeks prior related to the Felix teen disappearance. When the younger Wilkerson was taken into custody he stated, “I don’t know her (Keiosha Felix)” and that “I am caught up in my brother’s mess” .
Duson police also arrested the teen’s aunt Patricia Andrus and chargde her with improper supervision of a minor, and accessory to rape. Charges against the teen’s aunt stem from statements she allegedly made during initial interviews with police. Her arrest affidavit alleges Andrus lied about her boyfriend, Leon Wilkerson, being accused of raping Keiosha. When Lt. Credeur asked her again, “Andrus started crying.” The document alleges Keiosha told her aunt there was some inappropriate sexual contact. When asked if Wilkerson raped Keiosha, “Ms. Andrus continued to cry and would not answer.” Andrus also allegedly told investigators that she was unaware of any rape but that her boyfriend may have “played with her privates”, and then said she didn’t report the alleged rape to police nor the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services, because Wilkerson told her it wasn’t true, “so she left it alone.”
Portia Felix who was the 4th adult and a cousin to the Felix teen, was also charged in the case. The affidavit states that on July 25, Duson police questioned Portia several times, asking her why she lied and made police believe family had been in contact with Keiosha. “Portia stated she don’t know why she did it.” According to the document, Lt. Gerald Credeur accuses Portia of lying to police during several interviews. The affidavit confirms police initially considered Keiosha a runaway and not a missing person since family claimed to be in touch with her. The inconsistencies in the stories of those who were around the teen on the day she disappeared led to the arrest, but the case took another strange twist. The lead Investigator Gerald Credeur came under fire from the Duson police department.
Duson Police Chief Frank Andrew announced that Assistant Chief Lt. Gerald Credeur had been removed from the Keiosha Felix case because of substandard performance. He would not elaborate on specific reasons. The department also said it had began conducting their own internal investigation. But Felix’s family says, they want Creduer back on the case. Felix’s aunt Lena Lewis says the family is shocked and upset. They say they were happy with the way Credeur was handling the case. “He put his heart and soul in this case and was doing everything he could to find Keiosha.” The family also pointed out the fact that Credeur had discovered inconsistencies in the stories of the adults who were around the teen when she disappeared. Lewis says Credeur would often call the family, sometimes in the middle of the night, to update them. She says the family trusted him. “If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We wouldn’t have any answers,” said Celie Batiste.
Lewis’ sister Celie Batiste says she went to see Duson Police Chief Frank Andrew after she heard Credeur would no longer be working the case. “I asked him to please give me answers, but he told me “hell no,” said Batiste. “The Chief of Police never called us with concerns or anything. All the information we received was from Mr. Credeur,” added Lewis. We stopped by the Duson Police Department to get some answers, but no one was there. Lewis is now worried, that without Credeur the case will be put on the back burner. She hopes whoever takes over the case will remember what the focus is (to find Keiosha). On Tuesday, September 4, 2012, Police Chief Frank Andrew strangely began referring all questions to legal counsel for the town of Duson, the Andrus & Andrus Lawfirm (notice the name of the law firm Andrus & Andrus just happens to be the same as Patricia Andrus who was also charged in connection to the Felix teen disappearance).
Attorney Brad Andrus had no comment, pending the ongoing investigation. “We’re not going to stop until we get answers. No matter what the situation is, we just want her home,” added Lewis. Twelve days after Chief Andrew removed it’s lead investigator on 9/11/2012 from the Felix teen disappearance case, Lt. Credeur was suspended without pay, and charged with violating the constitutional rights of at least two individuals who were arrested in connection with Felix teen disappearance. Credeur is accused of conducting illegal searches and seizures, providing false testimony and making at least two unlawful arrests. Duson Chief of Police Frank Andrew made the recommendation for suspension before the town’s council. two days later on 9/13/2012 all charges were dropped against Leon Wilkerson for the rape and kidnapping allegations. Many observers site the fact that Felix who was the alleged victim in the case, and continues to be missing. It’s just too difficult to bring such charges without statements from the victim.
Charges against the other three adults related to the case had already been dropped at the direction of Chief Andrew. The case was transferred to the Lafayette, Louisiana Sherrif’s Office. The change of venue was more than likely do to a conflict of interest once it was learned that Duson Chief of police Frank Andrew was in fact related to the Felix teen’s aunt Patricia Andrus. The discovery was made during Credeurs termination hearing when Chief Andrew called for Credeur’s arrest citing that Credeur had left him in the dark on the Felix investigation. Andrew said, “He would brief me on some things, but then I’d find out that some of those things were not true.” Credeurs attorney who represented Credeur at the termination hearing fired back. Joslyn Alex presented the town’s council with text messages, which apparently show frequent communication between Credeur and Andrew. In the alleged text messages from August 13, 2012, Lt. Credeur wrote Chief Andrew with apparent doubts about the case.
Credeur: “Chief I’m done…they been trying to get something on us.”
Andrew: “No, it’s cool… You winning!”
The text contradicts Andrew’s claims that Credeur had left him out of the loop on the Felix case. Chief Andrew also allegedly disclosed he is related to Keiosha Felix. Writing on August 17th:
Andrew: “Missing girl grandma is my 1st cousin, her great grandma is my daddy’s sister.”
Credeur: “Damn y’all close…Have your family come in for an interview…lmao. And I don’t like your cousin Patricia.”
Andrew: “Guess I’m a suspect too, huh…”
Credeur: “Yea just bring the girl back…and tell your cousin in-law leon I don’t like him. Lmao. I’m gonna need your DNA…Lol.”
Andrew: “I’ll get a lil family history today, having a get together in maurice…”
It’s unclear if the Patricia referenced in the above conversation is in fact Patricia Andrus, Keiosha’s aunt, who was charged with accessory to rape and improper supervision of a minor in the 15 year old’s disappearance. In one instance, Credeur also showed his reluctance to deal with the media.
Credeur: “Why the (expletive) is tv 3 still calling me..I’m not answering…you give [all] media details..lol.”
Andrew: “I talk to them..Just got off the [phone], with them.”
Credeur: “Cool thanks…you the man.”
That text exchange doesn’t offer the Duson police department’s top brass in a flattering light, but it does indicate that the two top cops were cordial, at least while discussing the Felix investigation. It’s simply strange that Andrew apparently flip the script on Lt. Credeur, ordering his firing, and opening the door for charges to be dropped against all four of the adults (two of which are his blood relatives) who lied to cops about the troubled teen’s disappearance from the very start. After glancing over some of the above text messages, some council members wanted to delay action on Credeur’s employment status, however a motion to delay failed by a vote of 3-2. Credeur’s termination was approved by that same margin. The Federal Bureau of Investigations have now reportedly gotten involved in the Felix investigation and have offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the discovery of the teen mom’s whereabouts. The Lafayette Sherrif office is asking for the public’s help in identifying the man pictured below. He is not a suspect in the case, but authorities believe he may have had contact with the Felix teen. He purchased a device at a local cellular store. That device was used in some communication with Keiosha. Police believe he purchased that device for someone else and want to identify him;
Person of interest in the Keiosha Felix disappearance investigation. The women in the picture is not Keiosha. Cops believe the man may be able to aid in the child’s disappearance case.
Other efforts are also being mad to locate the teen. Ms. Tammy Charles who is unrelated to the Felix teen, just a concerned citizen who has launched a campaign to help locate the child. Ms. Charles has been on Internet Radio Broadcast shows like “Peas In Their Pods” advocating awareness for the teen’s story. Several websites have also emerged bringing awareness to the Felix disappearance at Find Keiosha Now on Facebook , www.findkeioshanow.com, and Youtube Information Video. Anyone with information regarding the tragic and heartbreaking story of young Keiosha Marie Felix is encouraged to utilize the contact information below:
Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office (337) 232-9211
Lafayette Crime Stoppers (337) 232-8477
Federal Bureau of Investigations (337) 233-2164 or (504) 816-3000
Missing and Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678
The People’s Champion
I’m David Adams
Sources:
News One
Peas In Their Pods
3 KATC.com
CNN iReport
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