MAUREPAS — A Maurepas man has been sentenced to 25 years behind bars and ordered to undergo chemical castration after pleading guilty to the sexual battery of a child. 

On Oct. 26, 61-year-old John Wesley Foster pleaded guilty to sexual battery of a child under the age of 13, stemming from a 2023 investigation in which Foster was abusing the child who lived with him.

Officials added that the child Foster had been abusing came forward and reported the abuse.

"Because of this child’s courage, the defendant was held accountable for his crimes," Assistant District Attorney Amanda Liotto said. "I hope this child’s bravery encourages other victims to speak up and know that they, too, will be heard and supported."

Foster must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. 

"Those who harm children must be held accountable. It takes tremendous courage for a child to speak up about this kind of abuse,” 21st JDC District Attorney Scott Perrilloux said.