Man pleads guilty to rape charge

Bryant Keith Richard of Slidell pleaded guilty to the charge of forcible rape Wednesday after a 12-person jury was selected. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Richard, 22, was giving the victim a ride home in March 2003 when the crime was committed, according to the District Attorney's office.

The victim approached the school counselor the next day about the crime, and the police were notified. Both the victim and her family were present in court for the conviction.

The sentence for forcible rape is at least five to 40 years at hard labor, with at least two of those years without the benefit of parole, probation or suspension of the sentence.

"Our communities must be protected from sexual predators," said District Attorney Walter Reed. "Hopefully the victim and her family can now get some closure."