PEARL RIVER, La. (WGNO) — A Pearl River man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Wednesday after being found guilty following a child sex crimes investigation back in October of 2024. According to District Attorney Collin Sims, in October, 2021, a young teen in Pearl River told her aunt that her mother's boyfriend had been "coercing her into disrobing in front of him." JPSO K-9 dies in line of duty during Harvey SWAT roll The aunt then encouraged the teen to contact a family friend in law enforcement, resulting in the Pearl River Police Department beginning an investigation. The teen claimed she had told her mother after the first incident happened, but wasn't believed. Harden received the maximum sentence on the charges raised against him, being sentenced 10 years for molestation of a juvenile, and 10 years for computer aided solicitation of a minor. The two sentences are set to run consecutively. 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 Senate adds amendment to immigration bill named after Laken Riley Ratcliffe edges closer to CIA confirmation with Democratic support: 5 takeaways Louisiana TikTok star Mr. Prada murder case to be heard by grand jury Speaker Johnson removes Mike Turner as Intelligence Committee chair Pennsylvania grandfather in legal battle over backyard coaster