A Baton Rouge man with multiple prior arrests is now facing accusations of raping a 4-year-old child and transmitting a sexually transmitted disease, according to police and court documents.
Authorities identified [1] the suspect as 25-year-old Anthony James Jelks Jr.
Police say Jelks, who has been arrested six times in the past six to seven years, was released from jail only weeks before the alleged assault took place on August 1.
Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse confirmed Jelks’s history during an interview with WAFB.
“We’ve arrested him six times over the last 6 or 7 years,” Morse said.
“Everything from firearms charges to domestic abuse battery, violation of protective orders. He’s currently on probation.”
Court records reviewed by WAFB show Jelks had previously been arrested on charges including punching a woman in the face, domestic abuse battery with serious bodily injury, child endangerment, and firearms violations.
Despite his record, he had recently been released back into the community.
Police allege Jelks sexually assaulted a 4-year-old girl on August 1 and infected her with chlamydia.
An active warrant for his arrest was issued following the incident.
Chief Morse expressed frustration over Jelks’s repeated encounters with the criminal justice system.
He told WAFB’s I-TEAM that law enforcement needs to have “more dialogue” to address why suspects with established histories of violence are repeatedly released only to commit further crimes.
“Mr. Jelks, we have arrested six times over the past six years,” Morse reiterated.
“He has everything from firearm charges to domestic violence battery, violation of protective orders, and is currently on probation. Definitely someone we are doing our best to go after, and if anyone knows where he is, give us a call.”
HOLY CRAP: It’s been exposed that this man r*ped a young 4 YEAR OLD, gave her an STD – and yet was released from jail several weeks ago.
He had a violent criminal history.
THIS IS A MASSIVE ISSUE.
“We have arrested him 6 times…”pic.twitter.com/YBrN71Z6ek [2]
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 8, 2025 [3]
After several days of being sought by police, Jelks turned himself in on Monday morning.
He is now in custody as the investigation continues.
WAFB reported that the child’s family has been cooperating with investigators.
Detectives are continuing to collect evidence related to the assault and Jelks’s prior criminal activity.
The case has added to growing concerns about repeat offenders in Baton Rouge and across Louisiana.
Law enforcement officials have pointed to the strain created when individuals with histories of violence and serious charges are released, only to reoffend.
Jelks remains in custody awaiting further court proceedings.
Police have asked anyone with additional information on the case to contact the Baton Rouge Police Department.
The incident is the latest in a series of violent crimes in the region involving individuals with lengthy criminal backgrounds.
The Democrat Party’s policy of mass releasing monsters onto our streets is a form of political terrorism. https://t.co/XaN67iDtwY [4]
— Stephen Miller (@StephenM) September 9, 2025 [5]
Authorities have not yet confirmed when Jelks will make his first court appearance on the new charges.