Twenty-five year-old William Justin Barker, and his mother, Deborah H. Barker, 51, both of 4051 David St. in Zachary, were indicted Wednesday, June 2, by an East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury on charges of aggravated rape of a young girl.

Indictments of the Barkers allege the molestation of a 7-year-old girl, who was the daughter of Justin's brother's girlfriend, began in April 2007 and continued until May 2009, said Zachary Police Chief John Herty.

Justin Barker, arrested in February, and Deborah Barker, arrested in April, were each indicted on one count of aggravated rape. The sentence for aggravated rape carries mandatory life imprisonment. Both Barkers remain in EBR Parish Prison.

Originally, Justin Barker was charged with one count of aggravated rape and one count of oral sexual battery. At that time, Zachary Police say they brought Barker in for questioning and he admitted to the molestation allegations, said Chief Herty.

Upon further investigation, authorities discovered Deborah Barker did also have knowledge of the incidents and an arrest warrant was issued. She was charged with principal to aggravated rape and principal to oral sexual battery, Herty said.

State District Judge Michael Erwin has been assigned to the case.