WEST MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) — On June 8, 2025, the West Monroe Police Department was called to a sex offense that allegedly occurred at Red Roof Inn on Constitution Drive. During the investigation, authorities were advised that 22-year-old Austin L. Manning reportedly raped a 16-year-old juvenile victim.

According to court documents, the victim, the victim’s friend, and Manning stayed in the motel room while a group of people they were with went to the store. Once the victim’s friend exited the room, Manning allegedly locked the door and raped the victim.

After the alleged incident, the victim was taken to a nearby hospital by their father. The victim’s friend was interviewed by authorities, and the victim advised that she returned to the motel room, and the door was locked. Once the victim’s friend began beating on the door, she heard the victim yelling for help. According to authorities, Manning told the victim’s friend that the incident was consensual.

Authorities interviewed Manning, and he mentioned that he and the victim, and the victim’s friend stayed at the motel room while a group of people went to the store. Manning stated that the victim began talking sexually to him and attempted to engage in sexual intercourse with him when the victim’s friend left the room.

Manning was arrested and charged with Second-Degree Rape.