Man charged with Northshore home burglary and child rape

Grand jurors have indicted a man who allegedly raped and abused a child after breaking into a Covington home.

“District Attorney J. Collin Sims reports that on May 15, 2024, a St. Tammany Parish grand jury indicted 34-year-old Zachary Lepine for Tickfaw,” Public Information Officer Shawn Smith said in a news release.

The charges include first-degree rape of a child under 13, sexual assault of a child under 13, molestation of a child under 13 and aggravated burglary.

“The case involves the burglary of a residence in Covington on the night of January 15, 2024 and the sexual assault of a juvenile inside.”

Covington police said in January that CPD responded to a residence on East Magee Street in Covington after a report that someone had broken into the occupied home.

Investigators determined that Lepine entered the apartment, committed the sex crimes and fled when confronted by the homeowner.

They chased him several blocks away.

“At this point, it does not appear that Lepine knew the victim or had any ties to our community,” said Chief Michael Ferrell.