Metairie man found guilty of drugging, sexually assaulting teenagers

METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) — A Metairie man accused of drugging and abusing teenagers, has been convicted.

Documents filed with the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office state that on Tuesday, May 20, 46-year-old Thomas Welty was found guilty of sexually abusing two teen girls after giving them illegal narcotics.

The investigation revealed the victims were both 15 years old when the abuse began between 2019 and 2021.

The abuse reportedly began during the 2019 Carnival season, according to the district attorney’s office, when Welty provided her with alcohol until she ultimately passed out. That’s when court documents state he took her to his home and injected her with a “highly addictive methamphetamine.”

“After raping her, Welty allowed two drug-dealing associates to do the same in exchange for narcotics (they have never been identified).”

The victim reportedly developed an addiction to methamphetamine, which he would continue to provide as the rape continued.

In July of 2020, the victim’s grandmother learned of the abuse and called the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Also that month, Welty gave the second victim a “date rape” drug GHB. She passed out but once conscious, she was in the shower with Welty. Reportedly, she rejected his sexual advances and left his house.

The DA’s office said she had known Welty since 2019 but Assistant District Attorney LaShanda Webb told jurors “Welty was grooming her.”

During the trial, Welty reportedly denied the charges, admitted to sexual activity with the first victim but claimed she lied about her age.

With the second victim:

“He told jurors he found her in his bed and she had vomited. He carried her to the bathroom and left her there.” 

His attorney’s claimed there was no physical evidence. Welty also has three conviction of possession of ketamine and possession with intent to distribute ketamine.

Jurors deliberated for three hours before finding him guilty of:

• Second-degree rape and trafficking of children for sexual purposes involving one victim
• Indecent behavior with a juvenile
• Contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile
• Sexual battery involving the other victim

Sentencing is set for June 12.

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