A Lafayette attorney is denying a rape allegation that surfaced in a complaint from the boy scouts.
Barry Rozas was arrested this week on a first degree rape charge.
We've learned his arrest is part of an investigation by Lafayette deputies, after the boy scouts turned in dozens of complaints in November to law enforcement. Those complaints spanning decades.
In a news conference at his attorney's office, Rozas says the allegation was made in a hotline set up by the boy scouts after a class action lawsuit. Rozas' case is one of many allegations involving the boy scouts.
Barry Rozas was joined by his wife and children, to deny the allegation of rape from his time in the boy scouts.
"It simply did not happen. And there are no circumstances that can ever be misconstrued as inappropriate in all of my years as being a scout leader,” said Rozas.
Rozas and his attorney say the anonymous complaint dates back to 2004, and he's offered full cooperation with law enforcement.
"I offered to provide voluntary statements to law enforcement, without an attorney present. And I've offered to provide multiple witnesses who will completely contradict the false allegations that have been made against me,” Rozas added.
Rozas has been with the Boy Scouts since 1999.
With his arrest, Rozas has been banned from scouting. The scouts calling the allegations "reprehensible" and "counter to everything for which the scouts stand.
Rozas says he won't rest until his name is cleared.
“I'm a devoted husband, a father and a grandfather, and I'm an attorney here in town. I'm a devout Catholic from a good family here in South Louisiana. I've spent my whole life in service to God, my family and my community. And I close by reiterating: I'm innocent of all charges,” Rozas added.
The Evangeline Council also says it plans to hold a meeting with local scouting parents to inform them about Rozas' arrest. Rozas is still awaiting a court date.
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