Accused molester’s crimes may go back 40 years

Gary R. Modisette

SHONGALOO — Webster Parish Sheriff’s detectives have established that 68-year-old Gary Reo Modisette has allegedly been sexually abusing young girls, some as young as 7-years-old, for more than 40 years.

Modisette, who lives in Shongaloo, was arrested last week on six counts of indecent behavior and molestation of juveniles. Now, detectives say, at least four more victims have come forward and still others could do the same.

Sheriff’s office Chief Deputy Bobby Igo said the first victim came forward with her story on Jan. 21, telling investigators that Modisette sexually abused her when she was 11-years-old.

“Our detectives found other reports from women who came forward in reference to Gary Modisette abusing them when they were juveniles,” Igo said. “Detectives reopened those cases, conducted interviews with the victims and witnesses and were able to locate additional victims.”

During the course of the investigation, detectives established that the first case of abuse against Modisette occurred in 1973.

“Our investigators believe that some victims may have reported the abuse crimes in the 1980s or 90s,” Igo said. “We’re asking that anyone who is a victim to please contact detectives Scott Tucker or Jennifer Ervin at 377-1515.”

Igo said the victims in the case range in age from 7 to 15-years-old. Detectives have established a timeline of the cases and the disposition of each. Those include:

First victim reportedly was 12 when the abuse began in 1973, and continued until she was 16 years old. Modisette was not charged because the statute of limitations had expired. Abuse of a juvenile carries a 30-year statute of limitations.

Victim two was 11-years-old when the abuse occurred in 1985. The suspect has been booked on a warrant charging indecent behavior with a juvenile, victim under age of 13.

Next victim was 15-years-old at time of abuse in 1992. Suspect wasbooked on warrant for indecent behavior with a juvenile.

Victim was 7-years-old when abuse occurred in 1995. Suspect booked on warrant for indecent behavior with a juvenile, victim under age of 13.

Victim was 12-years-old, abuse occurred in 1995. Modisette was booked on warrant charging indecent behavior with a juvenile, under the age of 13.

Victim was 10 when abuse began and lasted until 1997. Suspect was booked for molestation of a juvenile, under age of 12.

Victim was 12-years-old; abuse began and lasted until 1997. Suspect was booked on warrant charging molestation of a juvenile, victim under age of 13.

Victim was 15 years old, abuse occurred in 1997. Modisette booked on warrant for indecent behavior with a juvenile.

Victim was 10-years-old, abuse happened in August 2011 in Livingston Parish. Modisette arrested for indecent behavior with a juvenile and entered a plea of no contest to battery, April 2012.

Victim was 13 when abuse occurred in August, 2013 in Springhill. Modisette was arrested for indecent behavior with a juvenile and reportedly is currently awaiting trial on this charge.

Modisette is currently incarcerated at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. Originally, his bond was set at $450,000 but that could be increased, investigators said.