25 Apr Lafourche Jury Finds Raceland Man Guilty of Aggravated Rape
Lafourche Parish District Attorney Kristine Russell announced that a Raceland man charged with
aggravated rape in November of 2017 was convicted by a Lafourche Parish jury Tuesday
evening. The Honorable Hugh Larose presided over the trial.
Michael Lirette Sr., 66, sexually abused the pre-teen victim over a period of several years dating
back over a decade ago. Lirette, who lived on the same street as the victim, was a friend of the
victim’s family.
“Justice may be delayed, but it won’t be denied,” said Assistant District Attorney Jason
Chatagnier, who prosecuted the case along with Greg Stahlnecker. “The victim became the voice
of her 8 year old self. Now, after a decade of living with the weight of her story, justice has been
served.”
Chatagnier continued, “We applaud the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, more specifically the
Juvenile Detectives Division, for their diligence in public service.”
During the trial, other victims testified that they too were victims of Michael Lirette’s sexual
abuse. Their testimony helped establish Lirette’s lustful disposition towards children.
Lirette was initially charged with First Degree Rape, but at the time of the commission of the
offenses First Degree Rape was known as Aggravated Rape; the elements of the offense remain
the same.
The Honorable Hugh Larose ordered that Lirette be taken into custody and his previous bond
terminated. Lirette is scheduled for sentencing on May 16th at 9:00 a.m.
Michael Lirette is facing a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of probation, parole,
or suspension of sentence.