>
A former Louisiana deputy sheriff and SWAT commander will spend the rest of his life in prison as he was sentenced to 100 years after pleading guilty to a host of sex crimes Tuesday.
One of the 150 horrific crimes saw former Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Dennis Perkins, 46, ejaculate sperm into a cake his teacher wife had made for their students at Westside Junior High School.
His wife, Cynthia, 37, was sentenced to 41 years in prison in February for pleading guilty to her role in her husband’s crimes, which also included producing child pornography. As part of her sentencing, Cynthia agreed to testify against her husband.
Perkins, who was first arrested in 2019, told reporters as he was leaving court in Livingston Parish: “I just want to make this statement.” Jesus Christ has forgiven me. And I’m thankful for that. And I hope and pray that anyone who is affected also finds forgiveness and healing through Jesus Christ.’
At Tuesday’s hearing, Perkins cried more than once, according to reports WAFB.
Dennis and Cynthia Perkins were first arrested in October 2019 when authorities found a nude photo of the couple with a minor after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Dennis Perkins, 46, and Cynthia Perkins, 36, were charged with putting semen in a cake and giving it to children at the school where Cynthia taught.
While also at the hearing, one of his victims made a statement that read, “You are not worth my time at all.” Instead of protecting, you chose to abuse. Have a good life in prison.
The victim also expressed his wish that the former deputy spend the rest of his days living in fear.
Perkins pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree rape, two counts of sexual assault of a child, one count of video voyeurism, two counts of producing child pornography involving children under 13 and one count of noxious mixing. .
The plea agreement was falsified so that the young victims in the case would not have to testify. Prosecutors said they met with each victim to get approval to move forward with the plea deal.
In October 2019, the former SWAT commander and his wife were arrested when authorities found a nude photo of the couple with a minor after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Perkins was fired from his job after the arrest, while Cynthia resigned from her teaching role.
She had taught English Language Arts at Westside Junior High School since 2016. Prior to that, she worked at North Live Oak Elementary School and Live Oak High School for four years.
At his sentencing hearing, one of his victims made a statement saying: ‘You are not worth my time at all. Instead of protecting, you chose to abuse. Have a good life in prison’
Cynthia filed for divorce shortly after her arrest, claiming that Dennis had manipulated her into committing the crimes.
Cynthia filed for divorce shortly after her arrest, claiming that Dennis had manipulated her into committing the crimes.
After the baking incident, it was alleged that the father of a student who ate the contaminated cupcakes fell into a debilitating depression from the incident and was unable to find gainful employment.
Another lawsuit claimed that a student and a parent suffered from behavioral and mental health issues, and have been unable to sleep since the cupcake incident.
In a lawsuit filed last May, the parents of a student alleged that Cynthia showed the girl inappropriate images and also photographed and videotaped the minor.
The four lawsuits, which were filed separately, also accused the Livingston Parish School Board of negligence.
Cynthia quit her job as a teacher the day she was arrested. She had taught English Language Arts at Westside Junior High School (pictured) since 2016. Prior to that, she worked at North Live Oak Elementary School and Live Oak High School for four years.
The couple was charged with producing child pornography, rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, obscenity, and video voyeurism.
In 2014, Perkins came under investigation when a Baton Rouge police officer accused him of rape. Those allegations did not result in charges.
At the time of Cynthia’s sentencing, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said: ‘Today, Cynthia Perkins admitted to her crimes and pleaded guilty in court. he not only waived any right to appeal and attempt to avoid conviction, but also prevented the victims from reliving her horrific crimes during this particular trial.’
Under the plea agreement, Cynthia had to accept certain facts in the case, including assisting her husband in the sexual assault of a minor, helping him film a minor taking a bath, and laced desserts with his semen before giving them to the children. school age. .
Cynthia issued a lengthy apology to the victims, their friends and family prior to sentencing.
I would also like to apologize to my three children. I haven’t talked to them in three years. I love you and I miss you and I’m sorry,” Perkins said.
But one of her sons, born during her first marriage, described her in a letter to the court as a “horrible” and “manipulative” mother.
“My life is so much better without you,” the letter read.
In May, another woman who had been implicated in the case, Melanie Curtin, was sentenced to life in prison after it emerged that Dennis and Cynthia Perkins were in possession of a video showing Curtin raping a minor in their home.
During Curtin’s trial, the victim said: “When I saw parts of the video, I literally wanted to die.”
The victim told the court that she had been drinking alcohol with Perkins and Curtin when the attack occurred. Curtin and Perkins had previously been together in a relationship.