KEIOSHA "RED" FELIX - 15 yo - Duson (Lafayette) LA

Missing person: 15 year-old Keiosha Felix

Posted: Jul 15, 2012 7:51 PM by Erin Steuber
Updated: Jul 16, 2012 5:10 PM



Sadly, another missing person case to tell you about. 15 year-old Keiosha Felix, went missing April 30th in Duson, and she hasn't been seen since,if you have any information on her whereabouts, get in touch with the Duson Police Department.

And with Keiosha, Mickey and Dylon in mind, a special prayer service was held at Lafayette's Harvest Center Church.

"Please call us, get involved. Let's really wrap our arms around this city. But we can't do it by ourselves," said Reverend Daniel Kelly. "I don't want person to go missing on our watch. We need the whole community working together, whether it's white or black. We've gotta' come together and make a stand against the violence in this city."

http://www.katc.com/news/missing-person-15-year-old-keiosha-felix/

Runaway teen now called missing person

3:47 PM, Jul 23, 2012

The disappearance of Duson resident Keiosha “Red” Felix has been reclassified as a missing person case.

Assistant Police Chief Gerald Credeur said law enforcement now believes the 15-year-old is not a runaway, as they first suspected when she disappeared on April 30.

Felix’s cell phone has been turned off since that evening and she has not been on the social media website Facebook since, which is highly unusual, Credeur said.

Anyone with information about Felix is asked to call the Duson Police Department at 232-9211 or The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20120723/NEWS01/120723045/Runaway-teen-now-called-missing-person

Leon Wilkerson Jr. arrested in connection with the disapperance of Keiosha Felix

Wed, Jul 25, 2012

A man was arrested in Zachary last night because police believe he’s responsible for the kidnapping and rape of a 15 year old girl from the Lafayette area.

Duson Police Chief Frank Andrew confirmed to NBC33 News that Leon Wilkerson Jr. is the primary suspect in this case. He also explained that there are more arrests forthcoming.

Wilkerson is implicated in the abduction of Keiosha Felix, who disappeared on April 30, 2012. Police originally suspected Felix was a runaway, but later upgraded the case to an abduction after records showed that her phone had been turned off all that time and she had not accessed her Facebook page. They would not provide any other information related to the case due to the pending nature of the investigation.

The Zachary Police Department said that Wilkerson was arrested at 7:15 p.m. in Zachary at a trailer park on Highway 19. However, they did not locate Felix at that residence.

“We believe she might be in the East Baton Rouge Parish area,” Chief Andrew, explained. “He would not provide any information related to her whereabouts.”

Felix is described as a black female, 5″0 and approximately 120lbs. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Wilkerson was placed into custody without incident and booked for one count of Second-Degree kidnapping and Aggravated Rape.

Chief Andrew said more information related to additional arrests will provided on Thursday, July 26.

If you know anything about the whereabouts of Keiosha Felix call Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-STOP (7867). You can also text your tip to CRIMES (274637). Include CS225 at the beginning of your message.

http://www.bustedinacadiana.com/2012/07/leon-wilkerson-jr-arrested-in-connection-with-the-disapperance-of-keiosha-felix/#.UBFgkKN0grg

Keiosha Felix's Aunt and Cousin Arrested In Connection With Her Disappearance

07/25/2012 10:40 PM by Jim Hummel

Two members of Keiosha Felix's family are under arrest in connection with the Duson teenager's disappearance.

After hours of questioning, Portia Felix and Patricia Andrus were arrested by Duson Police. Felix is charged with obstruction of justice in the case, while Andrus is facing charges of accessory to rape and improper supervision. Felix and Andrus are Keiosha's cousin and aunt, respectively. They are also the last two people who saw the 15 year old before she went missing on April 30th.

The pair were questioned after Andrus' boyfriend, 43 year old Leon Wilkerson, was arrested for 2nd degree kidnapping and simple rape. Wilkerson was arrested in Zachary, LA on Tuesday.

Once Wilkerson is transferred to Acadiana, he'll be held on $350,000 bond. Bond has not yet been set for Andrus and Felix.

http://www.katc.com/full-coverage/disappearance-of-keiosha-felix-s/

07/26/2012
No sign of missing 15-year-old Keiosha Felix, even after three
arrests. Two of those relatives, a mother and daughter, have already
bonded out. Felix's cousin Portia Felix is charged with obstruction of
justice. Portia's mother, who's Keiosha's aunt Patricia Andrus, is
charged with improper supervision and accessory to rape. They were the
last two people to see Keiosha before she disappeared. Patricia's
boyfriend, 43-year-old Leon Wilkerson, is charged with second-degree
kidnapping and simple rape. He's reportedly not cooperating with police.
Duson police say they do believe Keiosha is alive, but is in danger.
For other members of Keiosha's family, the news of the arrests were
shocking.

Keiosha Felix's aunt Lena Lewis is confused and overwhelmed. She
can't believe Keiosha's aunt and cousin, Patricia Andrus and Portia
Felix, are accused of being involved in her niece's disappearance.

"She's a child and I don't understand. Why if they had something to
do with it, how could they let that go on? Family is love, if anything
you want to protect your loved one," said Lewis.

Lewis is related to Keiosha's mother. Patricia and Portia are on her
father's side of the family. Lewis says that's why she doesn't really
know them that well, but both families didn't have any problems with one
another.

"I don't know where it went wrong, but I hope with everything we get a
step closer and that we get answers and bring her home," she said.

Keiosha was in state custody because her mother is in jail. Although
her own family did not have custody, she was allowed to visit them with
her one-year-old daughter. That infant is also now in state custody
since the recent arrests. Her aunt says Keiosha told her she didn't like
staying with her aunt Patricia. Lewis never understood why.
"I put two and two together, you know, why would she be uncomfortable
at her aunt's house? She never told me exactly why," said Lewis.

Family members are relieved police have made arrests and are making
progress, but still no sign of Keiosha. Lewis says Keiosha is a tough
girl and believes wherever she is, she's trying to get back home.

"I'm hoping and praying that she's fighting. If she's out there, I hope she's okay," said Lewis.
http://www.katc.com/news/keiosha-felix-s-aunt-shocked-family-members-are-accused-of-being-involved-in-keiosha-s-disappearance/

100s pray for safe return of missing 15-year-old

The Associated Press
Published: Monday, July 30, 2012 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, July 30, 2012 at 5:58 a.m.

DUSON, La. - In a park next to Duson's City Hall, hundreds of people prayed for 15-year-old girl Keiosha Felix, who has been missing since April 30.

The Advertiser ( http://bit.ly/MVvoKT) reports that police first considered her a runaway, based largely on statements from the aunt she was visiting when she disappeared and a cousin who said she had been in touch with Felix.

Last week they arrested 40-year-old Patricia Andrus, 20-year-old Portia Felix and Andrus' boyfriend, 43-year-old Leon Wilkerson. He was booked with rape and second-degree kidnapping. Andrus, Keiosha Felix's aunt, was booked with improper supervision of a minor and accessory to rape. Felix's cousin, Portia Felix, was booked with obstruction of justice.

Sunday's candlelight prayer session ended with the release of pink and white balloons to the song "Amazing Grace."

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20120730/APN/1207300645?Title=100s-pray-for-safe-return-of-missing-15-year-old

Duson police serve warrant at home for teenage girls with children

Posted: Aug 1, 2012 1:38 PM by Tonya LaCoste
Updated: Aug 1, 2012 1:38 PM

Duson police served a search warrant at Maison de Mere, a home in Lafayette for teenage girls who are pregnant or parenting a child. The warrant was served Monday as part of Duson police's investigation into missing 15-year-old Keiosha Felix. According to Duson Assistant Chief Lt. Gerald Credeur, the purpose was to get copies of Felix's records. Felix lived at Maison de Mere before she disappeared.

http://www.katc.com/news/duson-police-serve-warrant-at-home-for-teenage-girls-with-children/

Another arrest made in Keiosha Felix case

08/06/2012
Another arrest has been made in the case of missing 15-year-old Keiosha
Felix of Duson. West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's deputies arrested
Ronald Wilkerson, 40, and charged him with kidnapping. He's the brother
of Leon Wilkerson, 43, the man arrested about two weeks and charged
with second-degree kidnapping and simple rape in Felix's case. Deputies
picked him up on a warrant and held him as a fugitive for Duson
detectives. Ronald has been in touch with Felix, according to Duson
Police Chief Andrew Frank. The chief would not elaborate except to say
he'll release a written statement later this afternoon.
http://www.katc.com/news/another-arrest-made-in-keiosha-felix-case/

Search for Keiosha Felix moves to TX

Posted: Aug 10, 2012 2:43 PM by Tonya LaCoste
Updated: Aug 10, 2012 3:45 PM

The investigation into Duson teen Keiosha Felix's disappearance is moving in a different direction. A tip has now led investigators to the Houston area. Duson police are working with the Texas Attorney General's Office, Texas Rangers and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, according to Police Chief Frank Andrew. Duson police have searched areas in Mississippi, but their efforts did not turn up Felix.

The fourth person arrested in Felix's case, Ronald Wilkerson, has not bonded out of jail. He's charged with simple kidnapping and is in the Lafayette Parish Correctional Facility on $150,000 bond.

http://www.katc.com/news/search-for-keiosha-felix-moves-to-tx/

Fourth Person Arrested in Keiosha Felix Case Bonds Out of Jail

Posted: Aug 13, 2012 11:55 AM by KATC
Updated: Aug 13, 2012 12:02 PM

The fourth person arrested in the disappearance of Duson teen Keiosha Felix has bonded out of jail. Ronald Wilkerson bonded out of the Lafayette Parish jail Friday. Wilkerson was in the jail on Simple Kidnapping charges. On Aug. 6, West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's deputies picked up Wilkerson on a warrant and held him as a fugitive for Duson detectives. His brother, Leon, has also been arrested in the case.

http://www.katc.com/news/fourth-person-arrested-in-keiosha-felix-case-bonds-out-of-jail/

Wilkerson Released from Jail, Not Bonded Out

Posted: Aug 13, 2012 5:41 PM by KATC
Updated: Aug 13, 2012 5:50 PM

The Lafayette Parish's Sheriff's Office is now telling KATC Ronald Wilkerson, the fourth person arrested in the Keiosha Felix case, was released from jail today. When we first asked jailers this morning, they indicated he bonded out on Friday. After further questioning this afternoon, however, deputies tell us Wilkerson was "released", without having to post a bond. The Sheriff's Office says they cannot indicate why he was released because they are not in charge of the case. The Duson Police Chief does not know how or why he was released from jail. Duson Police say the charge of kidnapping still stands

http://www.katc.com/news/wilkerson-released-from-jail-not-bonded-out/

Search continues for missing LA 15-year-old girl

Posted: Aug 16, 2012 1:55 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 16, 2012 1:55 PM CDT
By Amber Stegall

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Keiosha Felix, a 15-year-old girl from Duson, LA has been missing since April 30, 2012 and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is asking for the public's help in locating her. The child may be in the Baton Rouge,LA area. The child may be in need of assistance.

Three people have been arrested in connection to Keisoha's disappearance. According to KLFY-TV in Lafayette, the Duson Police Department took Patricia Andrus, 40, and Portia Felix, 20, into custody. The two women are the missing girl's aunt and cousin, respectively.

Andurs was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center and charged with simple rape and improper supervision of a minor. No bond was set.

Portia Felix is charged with obstruction of justice. She was released on a $500 bond.

Leon Wilkerson Jr., 43, of Zachary has also been arrested. He was charged with second-degree kidnapping and simple rape.

The public is urged to call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) with any information they have concerning the disappeara

http://www.wafb.com/story/19296921/search-continues-for-missing-la-15-year-old-girl

Family of Keiosha Felix Confused By Her Disappearance

Posted: Aug 21, 2012 6:28 PM
Updated: Aug 21, 2012 6:34 PM
by Steven Albritton

Keiosha Felix's family say there are still many questions that need to be answered in her disappearance. They haven't received any new information and remain confused on how this happened.

"None of us are understanding because we know one thing she would never stay away. She would never stay away like this," Lena Lewis said.

Lewis is Keiosha's aunt. They really want to know what happened and where she is, but after three and a half months with her missing they still remain shocked by the entire situation. The volunteer effort to bring Felix home is moving very slowly. Tammy Charles, who is leading the effort, says that the lack of new information has made it much harder bring attention to the missing teen.

"There's no new leads coming up, so it's been hard to get a momentum going. We haven't quite had the community come forward the way we would like," Charles said.

If you would like to support the effort to bring Keiosha Felix home you can visit their website at http://findkeioshanow.com/.

http://www.katc.com/news/family-of-keiosha-felix-confused-by-her-disappearance/#!prettyPhoto/0/

Suspect in Keiosha Felix Case in Lafayette Parish

Posted: Aug 27, 2012 4:31 PM by Letitia Walker
Updated: Aug 27, 2012 4:31 PM

The suspect who was arrested in connection with the disappearance of Keiosha Felix has been transferred to Lafayette Parish. Leon Wilkerson Jr., 43, was arrested in Zachary, LA in July on warrants of second-degree kidnapping and simple rape. Wilkerson is scheduled to appear before a judge Tuesday afternoon. Police say they still have not located 15-year-old Keiosha Felix. She was first reported missing April 30, 2012.

http://www.katc.com/news/suspect-in-keiosha-felix-case-in-lafayette-parish/

Lead investigator removed from Felix case

09/01/2012
Volunteers in the search for Duson teenager Keiosha Felix are asking
questions about the relationship between the town's police chief and two
suspects in the girl's disappearance.
Friday
morning, Duson Mayor Johnny Thibodeaux confirmed that Assistant Police
Chief Lt. Gerald Credeur has been removed from the case and placed on
administrative leave. The stated reason is substandard performance.
Thibodeaux
also confirmed the allegation made by Keiosha's supporters that Duson
Police Chief Frank Andrew is "distantly related" to Patricia Andrus, 40,
and Portia Felix, 20 — two suspects arrested in this case. According to
Thibodeaux, Andrew is their distant cousin.
"He told me that from the very beginning," Thibodeaux said.
"It's
a shock to me. I had no idea," said Tammy Charles, one of the head
volunteer organizers. "(The Duson Police Department) left us clueless
throughout the entire investigation."
Charles said that Andrew's relationship to Andrus and Felix represents "absolutely a conflict of interest."
"We've been wondering why (the case) hasn't progressed and (Andrew) won't cooperate. It all makes sense now," she said.
Thibodeaux
said he would not call for Andrew's resignation if no progress is made
with this case because "(Andrew) really had nothing to do with the
investigation."
Thibodeaux said that Credeur has led the investigation to find Keiosha,
which is why he was disciplined. He said that he would have "no reason"
to fire Andrew.
Thibodeaux would not comment on allegations that the investigation was too expensive for a town like Duson to handle."We've put a lot of man hours behind this case," Thibodeaux said. "And, yes, it has been expensive up to date."
Charles
said she either wants to see Credeur reinstated as the lead
investigator of the case turned over to the Louisiana State Police or
the District Attorney's.
Organizers
behind the Find Keiosha Felix Now Facebook page issued a statement
that said that the Lafayette Parish teenager's family supports keeping
Credeur on the case. They plan a march to the Duson City Hall on Sept.
11 in support of Credeur.
"The family is behind Lt. Credeur and all that he has done for this
investigation," Charles said. "This man is the only person who ever
contacted family with updates, worked day and night to find Keiosha and
worked along with other agencies to keep this case moving."Multiple phone messages left for Andrew by The Daily Advertiser for comment were not returned.
Jordan
Hamlett, an investigator for Averlock Investigations, said he has
worked closely with Credeur. He said he, too, is shocked because Credeur
has been "working diligently."
"It definitely seems odd. I don't know what the reasoning is. He was doing a lot of work," Hamlett said.
A
statement issued on the Find Keiosha Felix Now Facebook page stated
that the Lafayette Parish teenager's family are supporting Credeur in
spite of his removal from the investigation. According to the statement,
Andrew was not forthcoming when one of Keiosha's aunts, Celie Batiste,
asked about the change in Credeur's status.
"His
response(s) to two questions were 'Yep' and 'Nope,' and then he turned
his back to her and lit a cigarette," according to the statement.
Keiosha
went missing April 30. Four people were arrested in connection with her
disappearance, including two of Keiosha's relatives — her aunt,
Patricia Andrus, and her cousin, Portia Felix.
On
July 25, Andrus was charged with accessory to rape and improper
supervision, and Felix was charged with obstruction of justice. Andrus
and Felix are mother and daughter.
Leon Wilkerson, 43, who is Andrus' boyfriend, was arrested July 24 and charged with second-degree kidnapping and simple rape.On Aug. 6, Ronald Wilkerson, 40, brother of Leon Wilkerson, was charged with simple kidnapping.
Volunteers
for Find Keiosha Felix Now will be at the 30th Annual Original
Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival this weekend in Plaisance,
passing out fliers and accepting donations.
The FBI announced Friday that it is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the safe return of Keiosha.
http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20120901/NEWS01/209010307/Lead-investigator-removed-from-Felix-case

Lafayette sheriff's office takes lead role in Keiosha Felix case

5:41 PM, Sep 10, 2012
Written by Chad Washington

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office has taken the lead investigative role in the case of Keiosha Marie Felix, the teenage girl who has been missing since April 30.

According to a statement on Monday, the Sheriff’s Office has conducted a parallel investigation for several months but now has assumed the role of primary investigating authority after consultation with other law enforcement authorities. The Duson Police Department was the previous lead investigation unit in the case.

Even the FBI has gotten involved in the case, putting up a $5,000 reward for any information on Felix’s whereabouts.

Felix, 15, has been missing for four months since disappearing from her paternal aunt's home in Duson. Four of her family members have been arrested in connection with the case, but only one remains in jail. Leon Wilkerson is in the Lafayette Parish jail on charges of second-degree kidnapping and simple rape.

The case has had strange and confusing turns of events. The most recent one is when Duson Mayor Johnny Thibodeaux removed Lt. Gerald Credeur from the case because of “substandard performance.” That decision angered family members, who Credeur was close to. Then last week, Duson police chief Frank Andrew referred all media questions about the case to the law firm Andrus & Andrus, who is the legal counsel for the city.

Also, Thibodeaux said that Andrew is a distant relative of Patricia Andrus, 40, and Portia Felix, 20 -- two suspects who were arrested in the case. Andrus is Keiosha's aunt and Felix is her cousin.

Investigators are pursuing leads in the case but authorities are asking that family, friends or anyone with information to contact them so that every tip can be fully investigated. The statement also said that Felix is being listed as an endangered missing person based on her age and the length of time that no one has had contact with her.

The contact information for tips are:

-- 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

http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20120910/NEWS01/120910040/Lafayette-sheriff-s-office-takes-lead-role-Keiosha-Felix-case-?nclick_check=1

Rape, kidnapping charges dropped in Felix case

1:20 AM, Sep 14, 2012

All charges were dropped Thursday morning against a man who has been held in the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center for seven weeks, accused of rape and kidnapping in the disappearance of Keiosha Felix, 15.

Leon Wilkerson, 43, appeared for a preliminary hearing before 15th Judicial District Court Judge Patrick Michot and was released, without bond, at the close of the proceeding. He had been arrested July 24.

Attorney Valex Amos Jr., represents Patricia Andrus, 40, Keiosha's aunt and Wilkerson's girlfriend. She is charged with accessory to rape and improper supervision of a minor. Amos said the dismissal of Wilkerson's charges is an indication of what's to come for his client.

"I think Duson police jumped the gun," he said. "The prosecution is aware that Keiosha's probably a runaway. The evidence they have so far against my client is lacking in substance."

Amos also called the arrest affidavit against Andrus "weak." He said that Andrus wasn't made aware of the rape allegation until after Keiosha went missing, and if she had known before, she would have "took proper action."

According to Andrus, the only evidence the state has that a rape even took place was given by an employee for the group home where Keiosha lived. He said that the Duson Police Department should have done a more thorough investigation before bringing charges against Andrus.

Amos also said that Andrus lost her job because of the charges brought against her in the case.

Attorney Thomas Alonzo, representing Portia Felix, 20, Keiosha's cousin and Andrus' daughter, said Felix does not have any connection to the whereabouts of Keiosha either.

Volunteer organizer Tammy Charles said that this development sets their efforts "10 steps back" and adds to the confusion surrounding this case and Keiosha's whereabouts.

"We hope that Lafayette (Parish Sheriff's Office) clears up all this confusion, gets on top it and sifts through all of this," she said.

She added that she is disturbed that people keep referring to Keiosha as a runaway.

Read More: http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20120914/NEWS01/209140309/Rape-kidnapping-charges-dropped-Felix-case

Missing Louisiana 15-Year-Old May Have Been Victim Of Domestic Abuse

10/17/2012
After Keiosha Felix
(pictured) went missing from her paternal aunt’s house in Duson, La.,
on April 30 of this year, police say a cousin told police in an
affidavit that the family had been in touch with the 15-year-old by
phone. That led police to classify Keiosha as a runaway rather than an
endangered missing persons case.

According to a 2008 report by the National Policing Improvement Agency,
it is not uncommon for false missing persons reports to be filed to
lead detectives away from family members as suspects. A missing persons
report may also be used to cover up a homicide.

In addition, there is a substantial link between domestic abuse and child abuse.

“Where one type of abuse exists, the other is also likely to be
present. Children who witness domestic abuse are exposed to harm and may
also be the victims of direct abuse,” according to the National
Policing improvement Agency.

Felix’s family protests any representation of her as a runaway.

“We don’t know what to think. We’re lost. We know Keiosha’s not a runaway. I don’t believe that at all,” second cousin Dionne Williams told the Advertiser.

It seemed the family’s point was proven when three people, two of
them relatives, were initially charged with kidnapping, simple rape,
and obstruction of justice in Felix’s disappearance.

Duson Police Chief Frank Andrew told the Advocate of Baton Rouge that police got a late start on the case “because of the lies that were told by the parties involved.”

“The family said they had spoken with her,” Andrew said. “We assumed
that they were telling the truth [and] that she was in contact with
other family members, which is why they are in jail basically.”
According to an affidavit filed in the case, the lead investigator
says he spoke to several witnesses who claimed that Felix, who along
with her 1-year-old daughter was in state custody, was allegedly raped
by Leon Wilkerson, the boyfriend of Felix’s aunt Patricia Andrus, the Advocate reports.

Andrus also allegedly told investigators that she was unaware of any rape but that her boyfriend may have “played with her privates.” According to the report, Andrus was asked why she did not report the alleged abuse to authorities.
“Andrus stated she asked Leon about it and he said it was not true so
she left it alone,” according to police reports. According to Childhelp, an organization dedicated to ending child abuse, more than 90 percent of juvenile sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator.

Police also allege that Felix’s cousin went to great lengths to make
police believe the family had been in contact with the missing girl,
telling authorities that another cousin had been in contact with the
girl and that she had even overheard Keiosha’s voice on the phone.

The charges against Wilkerson for second-degree kidnapping and simple rape were eventually dropped. But Felix’s aunt Andrus was also charged with being an accessory to rape and improper supervision of a minor, with Cousin Portia Felix being charged with obstruction of justice.

Those charges are still pending, police told NewsOne. Andrus’ attorney believes police jumped the gun and that charges against his client will also be eventually dropped.

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, who took control of the case, said in an interview with NewsOne that the priority is finding Keiosha.
“As soon as we find Keiosha and bring her home, we will try to find
what resources she needs so she understands the dangers of being a 15
year-old alone in the world and all the bad things that can happen,”
said Judice.

“It’s hard to charge a person with rape when you don’t have a victim
to testify. We want to find Keiosha. If there is any allegation of
wrongdoing we will seek justice.
“We want to know from Keiosha what her allegation is. From that point
on, you identify what evidence exists or doesn’t exist. But until you
have an allegation from her, it’s hard to move forward,” Judice added.

However, Duson’s police chief, in texts with the now-fired lead investigator on the case, revealed just how serious he thought the case was.

“We may be dealing with a human [trafficking] case, we may have
[stepped] in to something more than a runaway,” Duson Police Chief Frank Andrew allegedly wrote in a text message to now-dismissed investigator Lt. Gerald Credeur.


It is common for abusers to force their victims in to prostitution, according to the National Policing Improvement Agency.

“Teenage girls are most at risk of domestic violence and many are falling through the system,” said Natalie Wilson, c0-founder of the Black and Missing Foundation.

The twists and turns and all the potential issues still at play in
this case demonstrate how complicated potential domestic abuse cases
involving children are, said Wilson.

“From the very beginning, Keiosha’s case has been complicated.
Keiosha was initially reported as a runaway. Two of her relatives
falsely told authorities that she was in contact with them after April
30,” said Wilson.
Judice says the Felix case shows the importance of paying attention to the information that young people communicate to adults.

“In this case the key is that some people had warning signs. They
noticed something was awry and failed to act and failed to notify state
workers or law enforcement that this was a situation that was
forthcoming,” said Judice. “She was pretty forthcoming in her discontent
for her environment.”

Police are still hopeful that Felix is alive.

“The consensus has been all along that we believe Keiosha is alive.
Nothing to the contrary has come to surface and we haven’t recognized
anything that says she has been harmed,” said Judice.

Police are looking for a witness in the case who may have had contact
with her, Judice told NewsOne, and are hoping to identify the man in
the picture below (the woman in the photo is not Keiosha).
“He purchased a device at a local cellular store. That device was
used in some communication with Keiosha. We believe he purchased that
device for someone else and we want to identify him,” said Judice.

A $5,ooo reward has been posted by the FBI, and police have been looking for clues in the Baton Rouge area.

“Someone has information about Keiosha’s disappearance. We ask them
to come forward with the information needed to find her,” said Wilson.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Keiosha Felix may contact the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office at (337) 232-Tips or the Black and Missing Foundation’s confidential Tip Line.
http://newsone.com/2061965/keiosha-felix-missing/