GRAMERCY — A St. James Parish man was sentenced to 40 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of forcible rape.

Kendall Johnson, 47, was convicted on April 29. 

According to the 23rd Judicial District Attorney's Office, the case dates back to April 5, 2014, when St. James Parish Sheriff's detectives responded to a Gramercy home for a reported sexual assault. Detectives learned that Johnson sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl inside the residence while she was visiting a family member.

Detectives obtained evidence confirming the girl's account, and a warrant was issued for Johnson's arrest. He was booked into the St. James Parish Jail and later posted bond.

After his release, Johnson failed to appear in court and remained at large on a bench warrant for a substantial amount of time. He was eventually arrested on the bench warrant and held until trial.

On Sept. 28, Johnson was sentenced to 40 years with the Louisiana Department of Corrections, with credit for time served. Based on Johnson's extensive criminal history, the district attorney intends to file a habitual offender bill in the matter.

Assistant District Attorneys Adam Koenig and Lana Chaney prosecuted the case, with Judge John Smith presiding.