Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted in connection with an alleged rape that occurred in Campti, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright.

Detectives and patrol deputies responded to the incident on October 20, 2025. The victim was treated at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center by S.A.N.E. (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) nurses and interviewed by investigators.

No additional details are being released at this time to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

As a result of the investigation, detectives obtained sufficient evidence and probable cause to secure a criminal arrest warrant signed by a Tenth Judicial District Judge for:

Ernest Lard, Black Male, Age 50,Height: 5’09” | Weight: 180 lbs., Brown Eyes | Black Hair

Lard is wanted for First Degree Rape. He has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a wanted person.

Lard, a convicted felon, is known to have ties to Natchitoches, Bienville, Caddo, and Red River Parishes and reportedly uses several different modes of travel.

Anyone with information regarding Lard’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-357-7851, or their local law enforcement agency. All information will remain confidential.

Case Agent:Detective Sgt. Matthew Robertson, NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau, 318-357-7830