WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE DISAPPEARANCE OF KEIOSHA FELIX, from Duson, Louisiana?

Thu, Jul 26, 2012
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Timeline

April 30th 2012:
On or about April 30th, 2012 15-year-old Keiosha ‘Red’ Felix went with her 1-year-old daughter to visit her Aunt Patricia Andrus at her mobile home in Duson, Lousiaian. Keiosha is in states custody as a result of her mother being incarcerated and was on a weekend pass to visit her aunt. (Why would Keiosha be in "states custody because her mother is being incarcerated??) Keiosha Felix went missing from her Aunt’s home under suspicious circumstances.

April 30th, 2012:
A missing persons report is filed with the Duson Police Department by Patricia Andrus

July 13th: 2012:
We get notification from friends and family that Keiosha was reported missing and was added to the National Center for Exploited Children as an endangered runaway.

July 16th, 2012:
One local news station reports, “The family of 15-year-old Keiosha Felix told police they’ve had some contact with the 15-year-old girl. Duson Police tell KATC the girl ran away from home, and has indicated to her family that she is okay. Duson Police are treating this is a runaway case and not a suspicious disappearance. Police do not believe the girl’s life is in danger.” Despite this reports, family contend that no one has had any contact with her. In fact, is there any such thing as a 15-year-old missing person not being in danger in this crazy world we live in?

July 23rd, 2012:
Duson Police upgrade the case on Keiosha Felix from an endangered runaway to a missing person’s case.

July 24th, 2012:
Leon Wilkerson Jr. is arrested in connection with the disappearance of Keiosha Felix in Zachary, Louisiana. He is charged with one count of second degree kidnapping and one count of simple rape.

July 25th, 2012:
Two family members are arrested in connection with the disappearance of Keiosha Felix in Lafayette, Louisiana.

July 26th, 2012:
Keiosha Felix’s cousin bonds out of jail and her aunt bonds out a short time later. Still no sign of Keiosha.

July 26th, 2012:
Averlock Investigations joins the search for Keiosha Felix. If you have any information that would be helpful in locating Keiosha Felix or information about her disappearance, please contact 337-944-4222 or email them [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

July 27th, 2012:
According to Jordan Hamlett with Averlock Investigation , they are following up on solid leads in the disappearance of Keiosha ‘Red’ Felix. He asks that people continue to call in with any information on Keisha’s disappearance or whereabouts. They can be reached at 337-944-4222 or email them [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Posted: Jul 28, 2012 11:04 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 28, 2012 11:04 PM CDT

The last time keiosha felix's family heard from her was on april 30-th, nearly three months ago.

Duson police just declared the 15 yr old a missing person on Monday. Since then they've made three arrests, keiosha's paternal aunt, patricia andrus, her cousin portia felix, and her aunt's boyfriend, leon wilkerson.

Charges against the three range from obstruction of justice, to 2nd degree kidnapping, and simple rape. (WHEN is Rape "Simple" and why did two of the three get out of jail?)

The vigil begins at 6 p-m at duson park located on fourth street.

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Police continue search for missing Duson teenager/Three arrested in connection with Felix's disapperance

4:32 PM, Jul 26, 2012 | Comments

Written by
Nicholas Persac

Police are continuing to search for missing 15-year-old Keiosha “Red” Felix of Duson after she disappeared from her paternal aunt’s home on April 30, and Duson Police Chief Frank Andrew said her life may now be in danger even after authorities put three suspects behind bars earlier this week.

We’re still looking for her,” Lena Lewis, who is Felix’s maternal aunt, said during a phone interview Thursday afternoon. “She hasn’t made it back home, but they have made arrests, and we’re hoping that’s one step closer to bringing her back home.”

On Thursday, police arrested Leon Wilkerson Jr., 43, Patricia Andrus, 40, who is Felix’s paternal aunt, and Portia Felix, 19, who is a cousin of the missing girl, in connection with Keoisha Felix’s disappearance from Andrus’s home.

Wilkerson is being held in the East Baton Rouge Parish Jail on a $350,000 bond and is charged with second-degree kidnapping and simple rape. Andrus is charged with accessory after the fact of simple rape and improper supervision of a minor by a parent or legal custodian. Portia Felix is charged with obstruction of justice. Neither Andrus’s nor Portia Felix’s bonds were immediately available, and both are being held in the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.

Earlier Thursday, The Daily Advertiser’s media partner, KATC-TV3, reported that Andrew said he believes “Felix’s life is in danger.” When The Daily Advertiser asked Andrew that same day if Felix could be in danger, he said only “it’s possible” and refused to elaborate further or answer any additional questions.

Lewis said she has been in close contact with Duson Police, and she commended Andrew and his department for their work thus far.

“I really don’t know what’s going on because this has never happened before,” Lewis said. “I’m not understanding any of it. She wouldn’t stay missing for that long.”

According to the affidavit for Andrus’s arrest, several witnesses, including a social worker, told police that Wilkerson, who is Andrus’s boyfriend, allegedly raped Keiosha Felix. Andrus first told police “she knew nothing about that,” but Lt. Gerald Credeur, Duson’s Assistant Chief of Police, continued to question Andrus, who ultimately started crying and admitted that her niece told her that Wilkerson made inappropriate sexual contact with her.

According to the affidavit, Andrus “continued to cry and would not answer” Credeur when he asked if Wilkerson raped Keoisha Felix. When Credeur asked Andrus why she did not report the alleged rape to law enforcement, she said she “asked Leon [Wilkerson] about it and he said it was not true so she left it alone” and that she was mad at her niece for making the accusation.

According to the affidavit for Portia Felix’s arrest, she allegedly “lied to police on several interviews” about her cousin’s whereabouts. Portia Felix, according to the affidavit, told officers that her family had been in touch with Keoisha Felix by phone, leading police to initially classify Keoisha Felix as a runaway rather than as a missing person, which she is still considered.

On Wednesday, Andrew said police believe Felix is in Zachary, Baton Rouge or other nearby areas. Police arrested Wilkerson at a home in Zachary Tuesday evening.

“She is still considered missing, and we just want to bring her home,” Andrew said during a phone interview Wednesday.

Felix allegedly disappeared from her Andrus’s mobile home in Duson during the evening of April 30. Felix, whose mother is in jail, was in the state’s custody, and she was given a weekend pass to stay with the aunt on her father’s side of the family.

Felix, who has a daughter who will turn one in August, told Lewis that she didn’t want to stay at the Andrus’s house “because of her old man.”

Andrus reported Felix’s absence, and police initially classified her as a runaway. Credeur said Felix had run away previously, but she made contact soon after leaving.

Anyone with information about Felix’s whereabouts should call either the Duson Police Department at (337) 232-9211 or The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) 843-5678.

Editor’s note: It is The Daily Advertiser’s policy not to release the names of sexual assault victims. Because Keiosha Felix’s name had been published previously in regard to her status as a missing person, and based on the serious nature of the charges, we have decided to publish the information regarding the arrest in relation to her alleged rape and kidnapping.

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Where is the 1-year-old child?

Keiosha Felix Case Update

Posted: Jul 23, 2012 4:47 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 27, 2012 3:44 PM CDT

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Patricia Andrus

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Portia Felix

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Leon Wilkerson Jr.

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Keiosha Felix

It's been almost three months since 15 year old Keiosha Felix went missing. On Monday Duson Police upped her status from endangered runaway to missing.

This week police arrested three people in connection with the disappearance of Keiosha. Her aunt, Patricia Andrus, and her cousin, Portia Felix, were taken into custody on Wednesday.

Forty Three year old Leon Wilkerson Junior, who is connected to one of Keiosha's family members, was also arrested and charged with 2nd degree kidnapping and simple rape.

Keiosha has not yet been located. A candlelight vigil will be held for Kieosha Felix this Sunday. The vigil will begin at 6PM at Duson Park located on Ford Street.

Keiosha Felix Case Update 7/27

A total of three people have been arrested in the case of missing teen Keiosha Felix who was last seen on April 30th.

Keiosha's aunt, Patricia Andrus and her cousin, Portia Felix, were arrested Wednesday.

Leon Wilkerson Junior was also arrested. He is charged with 2nd degree kidnapping and simple rape. Zachary police said Felix was not with him when he was taken into custody. Police say Wilkerson does have a connection to Felix through family members.

Felix was initially reported as a runaway but authorities have since changed her status to missing.

Given three arrests in the case, family members say they remain focused on finding her.

TV10's Caroline Balchunas spoke with family members, to hear what they had to say click the video below.

Three Arrests Made in Keiosha Felix Case

Keiosha Felix was last seen on April 30th.

Tuesday night Zachary Police arrested Leon Wilkerson Jr. without incident. He's charged with 2nd degree kidnapping and simple rape.

Police also arrested two more people Wednesday night. Keiosha's aunt, Patricia Andrus and her cousin, Portia Felix have also been arrested.

Patricia Andrus was arrested and charged with Improper Supervision of a minor and simple rape.

Portia Felix was arrested and charged with Obstruction of Justice.

Zachary police said Keiosha was not with Wilkerson when he was arrested. According to family members Wilkerson does have a connection with Keiosha through family members

Authorities initially believed that Felix was a runaway after some family members told them Felix ran away from an aunt's house where she staying.

But detectives changed her status to missing following an investigation into her disappearance. At a news conference Monday, police chief frank Andrew announced the 15 year old, along with her infant child could be in danger, and upgraded her status to endangered runaway.

But family members have been worried since her disappearance on four months ago. In that time period, there's been no activity on Keiosha's Facebook page or cell phone. With the arrest family members are still focused on finding Keiosha.

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So the baby is with her? Seems like they would include her as a missing person as well!!

She was 15 and had a 1 yr old baby?

Happens everyday, unfortunately!

Latest Update FBI involved in Keiosha Felix case

08/01/2012 06:56 PM by Tonya LaCoste

According to the "Find Keiosha Felix Now" Facebook page, the FBI is now involved in the search for the missing 15 year old. Also, the page says an announcement about a Crime Stoppers reward is coming soon. According to Duson Police Chief Frank Andrew, Duson Police and the Lafayette Sheriff's Office are working out details, and we'll pass on the information as soon as it's available. The chief said an announcement could be made over the weekend or next week.

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Posted: Aug 6, 2012 3:12 PM by Tonya LaCoste
Updated: Aug 6, 2012 4:32 PM

There are multiple updates to this story. Please click here to get the latest information.
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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.

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Man arrested, charged with kidnapping in Keiosha Felix case
7:52 AM, Aug 7, 2012 | Comments

A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection to the disappearance of Duson teen Keiosha Felix and charged with simple kidnapping.

Ronald Wilkerson of Jackson, La. was arrested at a Baton Rouge motel Monday on a warrant from the Duson Police Department on charges in connection with the Keiosha Felix case. He was booked in West Baton Rouge Parish then transported to Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.

Wilkerson is the brother of 43-year-old Leon Wilkerson Jr., who was arrested in connection with the case and charged with second-degree kidnapping and simple rape roughly two weeks ago.

Duson Police Department said that they have no further comment on this case as their investigation continues.

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I am so glad they are arresting these sickos. Justice for Keiosha!

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.

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I've noticed many crimes committed in Louisiana find their way to Texas. It's cause the State is huge and it's very easy to hide a body.

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.

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Investigator: Missing teen mom possibly in Baton Rouge

Posted: Aug 17, 2012 4:16 PM by Olivia LaBorde
Updated: Aug 17, 2012 4:16 PM

BATON ROUGE- The search for a Duson teen who may have been involved in the sex trade has shifted to Baton Rouge, according to a private investigator.

Keiosha Felix, 15, disappeared at the end of April. She lived in a group home near Duson because her mom was in jail. Four people were arrested in connection with her disappearance, including her own family members.

The 15-year-old was already a mother herself, and on weekends she would visit her one-year-old at her aunt's house. Police said that aunt, Patricia Andrus, allegedly allowed her boyfriend, 43-year-old Leon Wilkerson, to rape Felix.

Andrus is charged with improper supervision and accessory to rape. Wilkerson was arrested in Zachary and charged with rape and kidnapping. Earlier this month Wilkerson's brother, Ronald Wilkerson, was arrested in Baton Rouge and charged with kidnapping as well. Keiosha's cousin, Portia Felix, is also charged with obstruction.

A private investigator hired by Felix's family said none of them will tell police where Keiosha is. The investigators suspects she is in Baton Rouge, and was sold into child sex trafficking.

Her family says they continue to hold out hope for her to come home.

If you know anything about Keiosha's disappearance contact Duson Police at (337) 873-6736.

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How did the family get the money for a PI? If they are the ones that hired the PI, why won't they tell him where she is? OMG, sex trade? I don't doubt it!!

This case is confusing and I can't get the video to work!

It's not a video. It's FB. Here is all it says but it's interesting.

Find Keiosha Felix Now · 3,946 like this
13 minutes ago via mobile · ..

I wonder why the local media did not report on the fact that the Chief of Police in Duson and two of the suspects that were arrested in Keiosha's case are his cousins and they are aware of it. what has to happen in order for the media and someone in authority to take notice of this case and do something about it..i could just scream..the family is so frustrated.
Like ·
7 people like this.

KATC-TV 3: Acadiana's Newschannel We were the ones who told Keiosha's aunt about the announcement regarding Lt. Credeur,and she was surprised, so she wasn't ready to give us a statement yesterday. We are trying to do an update today. We can't report information without having it verified through family or law enforcement. We are not letting this story drop without finding Keiosha.
12 hours ago ·

Wrapitup wrote:[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I'm sorry, it was this video and I just noticed it wasn't posted today!

Oh, OK.

DUSON, La. (KPEL) — The FBI is now offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the whereabouts of missing 15-year-old Keiosha Felix.

Keiosha has been missing since April 30. Her cousin and aunt, Portia Felix and Patricia Andrus, haveboth been arrested in connection with the case. The pair are accused of lying to police when asked about her disappearance. Andrus’ boyfriend was arrested by deputies in East Baton Rouge Parish, and has since been extradited to Lafayette Parish.

The FBI, Louisiana State Police, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Duson Police Department are all investigating Felix’s disappearance.

If you have any leads, you’re asked to call the FBI New Orleans Division, Lafayette Resident Agency during normal business hours at (337) 233-2164 or after hours at (504) 816-3000.

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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.

"I have a hard time believing that this kid would leave her child," Charles said. "The bottom line is I don't care if she ran away, flew away or if somebody took her. Somebody needs to find her."

Dionne Williams, Keiosha's second cousin, said her family is upset and confused about the charges against Leon Wilkerson being dropped.

"We don't know what to think. We're lost. We know Keiosha's not a runaway. I don't believe that at all."

Williams said that she believes Keiosha is in danger and would like to see authorities investigate the state youth authorities because Keiosha had been in their custody.

Keiosha Felix she went missing April 30. Four people have been arrested and released in connection with her disappearance.

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. They later bonded out of jail.

On Aug. 6, Ronald Wilkerson, 40, brother of Leon Wilkerson, was charged with simple kidnapping. He was released from jail Aug. 10.

Duson Police Chief Frank Andrew and former assistant chief Lt. Gerald Credeur were both present at Wilkerson's hearing.

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Increasing evidence points search for Keiosha Felix to Baton Rouge
LOCAL NEWS
Samantha Morgan
New Media Manager

POSTED: Thursday, September 27, 2012 - 4:29pm
UPDATED: Thursday, September 27, 2012 - 4:56pm

BATON ROUGE, LA (NBC33) — An increasing amount of evidence is pointing the search for Keiosha Felix - an endangered, missing teen - to the Baton Rouge area.

“There are two elements investigators have been discussed,” Cpt. Kip Judice, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, explained. “First, there are a lot of general tips from the public coming in suggesting that she’s in the Baton Rouge area. Second, our investigators have recovered some physical evidence to suggest she is in that area.”

Keiosha Marie Felix, 15, was last seen on April 30, 2012 in the Duson area. She has not made any contact with family or friends since she was last seen.

“She’s 15 and she’s been missing for five months,” Cpt. Judice added. “For a variety of reasons, we believe she’s alive. The objective, the goal, the focus of our investigation is to find Keiosha.”

Although four individuals have been arrested in connection to Keiosha Felix, Cpt. Judice notes that the criminal investigation will not move forward until they locate Keiosha.

Once we locate Keiosha, we can determine whether there’s a criminal nexus to this case,” Cpt. Judice stressed. “If somebody needs to be brought to justice, we will begin building that case.”

The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to the location of Keiosha Felix.

If you know anything regarding her whereabouts 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.

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Where is this precious child!! The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office says it is investigating communication that may have been sent by Keiosha Felix. Deputies say they cannot be more specific about this lead because of the nature of the case. However, they say they believe Keiosha is alive because they have not found any evidence to contradict this. Deputies say they have received other tips about the case, and they continue to urge residents to call Crime Stoppers at 232-TIPS with any information they may have about the case.

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Lafayette Parish sheriff: Missing girl may be in BR area

BY RICHARD BURGESS
Acadiana bureau
September 28, 2012

LAFAYETTE — Prosecutors will not pursue charges at this time against any of the four people arrested in the disappearance of 15-year-old Keiosha Marie Felix, 15th Judicial District Attorney Mike Harson said Friday.

Prosecutor’s earlier this month dropped counts of second-degree kidnapping and simple rape against Leon Wilkerson Jr., who dated Felix’s aunt, Patricia Andrus.

Felix was in the state’s custody and was last on April 30 seen leaving her aunt’s home in the Duson area while on a weekend pass from the state, authorities have said.

Duson Police, in an investigation that has now been called into question, also arrested Andrus; her daughter, Portia Felix; and Wilkerson’s brother, Ronald Wilkerson, on various counts related to Felix’s disappearance.

Harson characterized the evidence against them as “unsubstantiated hearsay” and said the investigation has not uncovered enough information at this time to pursue criminal charges against anyone.

“The unfortunate thing is that these individuals were arrested and paraded before the public as individuals who had committed a crime based on faulty allegations,” said Andrus’ attorney, Valex Amos.

The former lead investigator, Duson Police Lt. Gerald Credeur, was suspended this month by the Duson Board of Aldermen after Police Chief Frank Andrew accused him of improper arrests, giving false testimony and making an illegal search and seizure during the investigation.

The suspension is with pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office has since taken the lead in the investigation and is working with the FBI, State Police, the Sheriff’s Office and the Duson Police Department.

Sheriff’s Office spokesman Capt. Kip Judice said Friday that the investigation at this time is focused on finding Felix and no one is being investigated as having a role in her disappearance.

“As of right now, we do not have a target to any criminal investigation,” he said.

Judice said that could change, depending on what Felix may tell investigators if she is found.

“Once we find Keiosha, we will have a lot of answers,” he said.

Judice said investigators have been receiving several tips that Felix is in the Baton Rouge area.

“There is not physical evidence, but that is where the tips appear to be heading,” he said.

Judice said all the tips have been general in natural.

“They’re are not giving us a street or saying that they saw her at this restaurant,” he said.

But he said the volume of tips from the Baton Rouge area have led investigators to put more focus on that area.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the girl’s safe return.

Anyone with information regarding this case or Felix’s whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI New Orleans Division, Lafayette Resident Agency during normal business hours at (337) 233-2164 or after hours at (504) 816-3000; Lafayette Crime Stoppers at (337) 232-8477, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) 843-5678.

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Frustration builds over Keiosha case
11:00 PM, Oct 26, 2012
Written by
Anastasia Semien

Tammy Charles, volunteer organizer for Find Keiosha Felix Now, said she's "pissed" with how the community is handling the case of the missing teenager.

Tuesday will mark six months since Keiosha disappeared from her aunt's Duson mobile home. She was initially classified as a runaway, but police soon updated her to a missing person when the foul play surrounding her disappearance was uncovered. And according to recent text messages exchanged between law enforcement officials, human trafficking is now being considered a possibility.

Charles calls the support of Lafayette residents in finding Keiosha, who has a 1-year-old daughter, "absolutely horrible."

"It's beyond belief that people are just not helping."

She spoke of an incident in which a volunteer called a local trophy business to get plaques for a flag football tournament to benefit volunteer efforts — which was postponed due to no one enrolling — and was told by management that they would not donate the plaques or offer them at a discounted price because the efforts to help Keiosha are a "scam."

She said people in other cities are more eager to find the teenager than those who live here.

"I'm embarrassed I have more support for this child outside the parish than right here in Lafayette."

Gaetane Borders, president of Peas in Their Pods, a national organization that helps spread awareness of missing children of color, calls Keiosha's story "really, really tragic."

She said one reason the community support for Keiosha has been low may be because there are "disparities" with how the cases of children of color are handled.

"Forty-two percent of kids that go missing are of color, yet they receive the least amount of coverage."

Borders said it is imperative the community step up and help find missing children in their areas because the first couple of hours after they are missing are key.

"If the community doesn't do their part "» then it's not going to get that momentum."

Text messages between Lt. Gerald Credeur and Chief Frank Andrew of the Duson Police Department, leaked to the media by Credeur's attorney Joslyn Alex, indicate Keiosha may be a victim of human trafficking.

Molly Venzke, communications director for Trafficking Hope, a Baton Rouge organization with a mission to promote awareness of this epidemic, says this is highly likely in Keiosha's case.

She said Keiosha's age and the fact that she is in custody of the state and has a child fits the description of usual victims.

"That's exactly who they'd (traffickers) go for, and they know exactly how to lure her."

Venzke said traffickers force their victims into prostitution at 12 to 14 years old.

She said with Louisiana having the highest rate of child homelessness in the country — more than 200,000, according to Trafficking Hope's records — there are many victims who get trafficked and are forced into having commercial sex.

Venzke said women are hidden, chained, and forced into strip clubs, hotels and motels, and even to post ads on various sites like Craigslist.

Venzke said this could possibly be Keiosha's fate.

"If she's missing, she's not safe," she said.

Capt. Kip Judice, spokesman for the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, said investigators have not ruled out that Keiosha may be a victim of human trafficking.

"Every option is open," he said.

Judice said it is "not outside the realm of investigative efforts" and the FBI is helping with this aspect.

He said tips are coming in but are either "not consistent" or "pretty general." He said he is optimistic with efforts because, "We've never hit a wall."

Judice wants to remind the community of the $5,000 reward being offered to anyone who can provide information that leads to Keiosha being found.

"Our concern grows every day for Keiosha," he said.

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Jan. 30, 2013 2:44 AM

Nine months later, volunteers still search for missing teen Keiosha Felix: Volunteer organizer Tammy Charles discusses the search efforts to find missing Lafayette Parish teen Keiosha Felix nine months after she disappeared.

Written by
Anastasia Semien

Hope is dimming for volunteers working to find missing teen Keiosha Felix, who disappeared from her aunt's Duson home nine months ago without a trace.

Volunteer organizer Tammy Charles told The Daily Advertiser on Tuesday that she's feeling disheartened about the lack of leads in the case.

"I'm discouraged," she said. "I don't know what else to do. I feel like I'm kind of stuck. We'd love to keep going and go forward, but there's just not a lot more that I feel I can do at this point."

But she hasn't given up completely.

"There's always hope," she said.

Charles has been the most vocal person pushing for the return of the teenager since she went missing, and she says she will continue to hand out fliers and raise awareness about the 15-year-old girl's disappearance.

"The only good thing I can say that has been encouraging is that we've had people as far as California and Dallas say they've seen her flier on mailings," she said. "It is still circulating."

Felix was in foster care but had gotten a weekend pass to visit her aunt in Duson when she disappeared April 30. The aunt, a cousin and two men were initially arrested in connection with the disappearance but charges were not pursued against them.

Felix left behind a then-1-year-old daughter, Kyra, who is now in state custody.

Charles organized a clothing and toy drive — dubbed "Christmas for Kyra" — to help the young girl.

"We are definitely very thankful for what we were able to collect for Kyra," she said. "It made our hearts feel a little better to be able to give something to her little girl for Christmas."

Charles renewed her plea for someone in the community to step forward with information to help bring Felix home.

"I believe that there's been enough publicity surrounding her situation that we can get her on the right track in a place where she would be comfortable and definitely safe and reunited with her child," she said.

Capt. Kip Judice, spokesman for the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, said his office is working tirelessly to help make that happen, but little information has been coming in about the missing teen.

"The number of leads and tips have dwindled," he said.

He stressed that Felix's case is not considered cold, however, and that investigators are working with agencies to follow up on a couple of tips in Texas and Georgia.

A $5,000 reward has been offered for anyone who provides information that leads to the teen. Judice said the sheriff's office will plan some type of rally around Felix's April 8 birthday to generate more regional momentum in the case.

"We certainly don't want to give up on her," he said. "We still believe she's out there."

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Feb 27, 2013

Written by
Anastasia Semien

It's been 10 months, and still no sign of Keiosha Felix.

Volunteer organizer Tammy Charles is trying to raise awareness about Felix the best way she knows possible. There are few leads, and hope of finding the missing 15-year-old is fading.

"It's been very difficult to keep Keiosha's story fresh ... at times it seems almost impossible," Charles said. "I just keep looking for opportunities to get her story out as much as possible."

And that's just what Charles and a group of people did Sunday at the 10th annual African-American History Parade in Lafayette. They marched to honor Felix and spread the word.

She said the parade's reception was heartwarming, and felt that it was a great opportunity to tell the crowd about Felix's story. She also hoped that their presence would get people talking and generate tips.

"We were very thankful for the opportunity to get her name and face out there in the center of Keiosha's very own community."

Felix was last seen April 30 at her aunt's mobile home in Duson.

Charles said that some people did not know that Felix was still missing, while others had not even heard of her. But they offered their well-wishes.

"We were very touched on the parade route by many people offering their prayers."

Former Duson Assistant Police Chief Gerald Credeur was there to march with the group. Credeur was fired, allegedly over handling of the case. He's suing the Duson Police Department and the town government.

Charles said Credeur has consistently devoted his "heart and soul" in efforts to find the missing girl.

Charles said help has been hard to come by as the search goes on. Besides herself, only four others volunteer on a consistent basis.

"That's pretty sad, but it's the reality," she said.

She said she is still hoping that anyone with information will come forward, because she still believes "somebody knows something."

Kip Judice, spokesman for the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, said Keiosha is still a priority and focus of the agency, but tips are few.

He said, however, that detectives are still following up on leads and doing whatever possible to try and locate Felix. He reminded the public about the $5,000 reward being offered by the FBI leading to the teen's safe return.

Charles said she's clinging to her faith that Felix will be brought home safely.

"Is there still hope? There is God, therefore there is always hope," she said.

She said that although the group does not get the amount of support that they would like and they are few in number, she will never stop sharing Felix's name, face and story.

"It is important to us to let folks know that she is still missing and her life still matters."

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Missing Duson girl’s family issues plea for information

Teen gone for year; investigators say leads dead ends

BY BILLY GUNN
Acadiana bureau
April 19, 2013

LAFAYETTE — Keiosha Felix’s family members pleaded Wednesday for anyone with information on the location of the 16-year-old Duson girl missing for almost a year to step forward and contact police in a missing person’s case that has turned up very little.

The family’s plea at a news conference extended to Keiosha herself.

“We all love her. I miss her because I love her a lot,” said Keiosha’s grandfather, Joseph Earl Narcisse.

Narcisse joined other family members and representatives of Acadiana law enforcement agencies, including the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, FBI, Duson police and State Police in a news conference updating the investigation into Keiosha’s disappearance on April 30.

Sheriff’s spokesman Capt. Kip Judice said the FBI is offering a reward of $5,000 for information that brings Keiosha home.

Judice said various law enforcement agencies have logged at least 2,300 total investigative hours pursuing leads in the disappearance of Keiosha, who turned 16 on Monday.

“We’re not ruling out any possibilities,” Judice said. “She potentially ran away, other things are also possible. We have not … narrowed our investigation in any way.”

An unwed mother at 14, Keiosha was in state custody when she was last seen by relatives leaving an aunt’s home in the Duson area, police said last year.

The aunt, Patricia Andrus, was one of four people close to Keiosha’s case arrested last year. Others arrested include Andrus’ boyfriend, Leon Wilkerson,. He was accused of raping Keiosha and arrested on one count of rape and one count of second-degree kidnapping.

Judice said Wednesday that all four arrested last year were never formally charged and have been released from jail.

Despite 17 tips, 72 interviews, 20 subpoenas and four search warrants in an investigation spanning Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Florida, Minnesota, Maryland, Oregon and California, Keiosha has not been found, Judice said.

Judice also said investigators have found no evidence to suggest Keiosha was hurt or killed by someone, though “we continue to look at all possibilities.”

Other family members have sought the public’s help in locating her. And they took a chance that speaking directly to Keiosha through television news, newspapers, news websites, or a social media site that would amplify their plea.

“We love you. We’re waiting on you. We’ve been waiting on you,” said Keiosha’s aunt, Lena Lewis. “If you’re somewhere out there and hearing this, we really miss you.”

Judice said investigators are still following one lead, which involves a man at an AT&T outlet store on Louisiana Avenue in Lafayette. He said the man, who so far is unidentified, in some way used or knew the password to Keiosha’s smartphone.

“He is not a suspect in any criminal matter but may have some helpful information related to this case,” Judice said.

Anyone with information on Keiosha should contact the Lafayette Sheriff’s Office at 337-232-9211.

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Two file lawsuits over arrests in Keiosha Felix kidnapping
BY BILLY GUNN
Acadiana bureau
July 03, 2013

LAFAYETTE — Two brothers arrested last year on suspicion of kidnapping Duson teen Keiosha Felix have filed federal lawsuits against the town and police officials, claiming their lives were turned upside-down after they were falsely accused.

Leon Wilkerson Jr. and Ronald Wilkerson filed the suits in U.S. District Court this week against the town of Duson, police Chief Frank Andrew and former Assistant Chief Gerald Credeur.

The Wilkersons, who filed separate suits, seek compensatory and punitive damages and attorney costs. Both men said they lost their jobs because of the accusations and arrests that were not based on probable cause.

Leon Wilkerson was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correction Center on July 24, 2012, on one count of second-degree kidnapping and one count of rape, two allegations connected to the case of Keiosha Felix.

Felix, who was 15 when she disappeared, remains missing.

In April, near the one-year marker of her disappearance, Felix’s relatives teamed with local and state police investigators to appeal to anyone who had information about the girl’s whereabouts. They offered a $5,000 reward for information that still stands.

The appeal, made through local print and broadcast media, even reached out to Felix herself, a signal that there was a chance that Felix ran away from home and the baby she bore at age 14.

On Wednesday, there was nothing new to report about Felix, said Capt. Kip Judice, with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, which has taken the lead in investigating Felix’s disappearance.

The Duson Police Department was the lead police agency in the summer of 2012. Credeur, the assistant chief who led the investigation, arrested Leon Wilkerson on July 24, 2012, on a warrant of second-degree kidnapping and simple rape, according to the lawsuit.

Wilkerson, of Jackson, was connected to Felix through the teen’s aunt, Patricia Andrus, whom he was dating at the time. Andrus, too, was later jailed for alleged improper supervision of Felix and accessory after the fact to simple rape.

The Wilkersons, Andrus and one other person who was arrested were later released and are no longer considered suspects. Both lawsuits allege the Wilkersons were arrested without probable cause.

“As a result of the defendants’ false accusations against him, Leon Wilkerson Jr. spent more than seven weeks as a prisoner, confined first in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison and then in the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center,” Leon Wilkerson’s suit reads.

The suit states Wilkerson was unable to make bail when the bond was set at $350,000, and that he “was completely unprepared for the hardships” of parish prison life.

“These ranged from things as simple as being forced to eat food which was hardly edible, to more serious things like living each day with the threats to his physical well-being which resulted from him being charged with a sexual offense involving a minor girl and being confined in immediate contact with hardened inmates …,” Wilkerson said in the suit filed by Baton Rouge attorneys Karl J. Koch and Robert L. Campbell.

Koch and Campbell also represent Wilkerson’s brother, Ronald Wilkerson, who spent seven days in Lafayette Parish prison after he was booked Aug. 6, 2012, on one count of simple kidnapping.

Ronald Wilkerson, of Baton Rouge, was unable to get out of jail after bond was set at $150,000, according to the suit, which mirrors his brother’s except for the details of his arrest and incarceration.

The brothers claim they suffered “mental and emotional damages.”

A message left with the Duson Police Department for Chief Andrew was not returned Wednesday, and Duson town attorney Brad Andrus did not respond to a message left at his Lafayette office.

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