LAKE CHARLES, La. – A 45-year-old Westlake pastor was arrested for allegedly raping a child and child pornography.
After an anonymous call to the Department of Child & Family Services’ tip line, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation which led to the arrest of John Michael Ward, who is the pastor of Bellview Baptist Church in Westlake, on Monday, June 17, according to Kim Myers, spokesperson for the Office. Ward allegedly confirmed to detectives he has been molesting an 11-year-old girl since 2017. Ward also advised detectives he videoed the girl while she was nude on two separate occasions, the spokesperson stated.
Ward was arrested and booked in the Calcasieu Parish Jail and on charges of first degree rape (10 counts); indecent behavior with a juvenile (40 counts); and pornography involving a juvenile (two counts).
Judge Sharon Wilson set his bond at $640,000.
CPSO Detective Jacob Dore is the lead investigator on this case.
