Sheriff: Man used photo to force juvenile into sex

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A 19-year-old man is accused of threatening to publish a nude photo of juvenile female to force her into a sexual relationship.
St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said deputies discovered the crime when investigating a disturbance complaint between, Dwayne Brian Thomas, 19, of the 1200 block of Dean Drive, Opelousas, and the female, who is under 16 years old.
The female said she was on the porch of her residence when Thomas stopped his vehicle in front of her driveway and demanded her cell phone, Guidroz said.
“When she refused to give it to him, Mr. Thomas approached the juvenile, forcibly took the phone by twisting her hand and returned to his vehicle.
“The juvenile followed Thomas and grabbed the phone. Thomas then punched the juvenile in the arm and threw the phone to the ground, breaking the screen,” Guidroz stated.
Detectives determined that the juvenile has known Thomas for about one year and was in a relationship with him previously, Guidroz stated.
“The juvenile also stated that Thomas had a nude picture of her and forced her into a sexual relationship by threatening to publish the photo on social media,” he stated.
Guidroz stated Thomas, who admitted to having a sexual relationship with the juvenile and to the possession of nude photos, was booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail and given a bail of $38,500.
Thomas is charged with simple robbery, cruelty of a juvenile, criminal damage to property, carnal knowledge of a juvenile and juvenile pornography.