BUSH, La. (WGNO) — A Bush man has been sentenced after pleading guilty in a sexual assault case that involved two young girls. The Office of District Attorney Collin Sims reported that 33-year-old Edward John Gabriel IV pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree rape, oral sexual battery, carnal knowledge and four counts of sexual battery and was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Wednesday, Oct. 9. According to court documents the victims and Gabriel came into contact in 2020 while making repairs at their mother's Covington-area home. Former Bridge City Youth Center instructor accused of sexual misconduct Court documents state that Gabriel reportedly began grooming the victims after moving into a trailer on the property before sexually assaulting them. In November 2021, the district attorney's office reported that the Department of Children and Family Services received a report that "'Eddie Gabriel' was engaging in sex with a female juvenile." Edward John Gabriel IV (Courtesy: Office of District Attorney Collin Sims) Detectives with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office learned during an investigation that the victims had been sexually abused by Gabriel several times during an extended period. Court documents state that a family member became aware of the abuse in late 2020 and told Grabriel to move off the property without contacting law enforcement. Suspect arrested in connection with Hammond homicide investigation Sims' office reported that Gabriel reportedly moved back onto the property and continued to abuse the victims until DCFS was notified in 2021. Court documents state the victim's family member was arrested for "failure to take proper action when she was informed of the abuse in 2020." During the trial, the district attorney's office reported that one victim was present in court, and the other had died in 2022. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Where Y'at This Weekend: Zombie Paintball, Abita Fall Fest, Oktoberfest, Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest Man arrested following Seabrook-area standoff Harris accepts invite to CNN town hall as another Trump debate appears unlikely Bush man sentenced in sexual assault case involving young girls How to help the recovery from Milton, Helene