Anthony James Jelks, Jr: Career Criminal Arrested in Baton Rouge for Alleged Rape of 4-Year-Old Child

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A man who Baton Rouge police described as a career criminal is now behind bars.

He is accused of raping a four-year-old child just weeks after he was released from custody on separate charges.

Anthony James Jelks, 25,  is accused of committing the assault on August 1, 2025, at a residence near Greenwell Springs Road.

The case came to light when the young victim was brought to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital after she complained of pain. 

According to arrest documents, the hospital conducted a series of tests, which showed the child had tested positive for Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease. 

Following the medical examination, the child was taken to the Children's Advocacy Center, where trained forensic investigators spoke with her. 

The arrest report states the child told detectives that Jelks “pulled her pants down” and “did things to her.”

This is not the first time Jelks has been investigated for a crime against a child, as per WAFB News.

In November 2022, he was also investigated for indecent behavior with juvenile who was 9 years old at the time.

Anthony Jelks 


Jelks has been in trouble with the local police department many times, and his latest arrest has left the Baton Rouge Police Department frustrated, raising concerns about repeat offenders.

“Mr. Jelks, we have arrested six times over the past six years,” Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse stated in a recent interview. 

“He has everything from firearm charges to domestic violence battery, violation of protective orders, and is currently on probation," he added.

Court records show that Jelks was released on parole on June 26, 2025, after admitting to charges like assaulting a dating partner and using a car without permission. 

Just weeks later, on August 1, he was accused of attacking a four-year-old.

Chief Morse expressed deep frustration with a system that allows repeat offenders to quickly return to the streets. 

“It is an issue when we are arresting the same people over and over and over again,” he said. “It’s extremely frustrating to our detectives. We talk about it all the time. Low bonds... I think are too low, and things need to be looked at.”

Jelks now remains in custody facing serious new charges, while The Baton Rouge Police Department continues its investigation.

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