FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2018
COVINGTON—District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that a St. Tammany Parish jury found Gregory Allen Schwaner, 51, of Covington, guilty Wednesday (March 28) of two counts of sexual battery on a juvenile. The jury of nine men and three women deliberated about two hours before returning the guilty verdict to District Judge Martin E. Coady.
Schwaner began the abuse when the victim was 12 years old. The abuse continued for more than a year until Schwaner was caught in bed with the victim. Schwaner, who testified in his own defense, was unable to provide a legitimate reason why he was in bed with the victim and wearing only underwear.
The case was investigated by detective Adam Maillho of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. This case is a great example of multi-disciplinary teams from various agencies working together. In addition to the District Attorney’s and Sheriff’s Offices, others involved included Hope House and Child Advocacy Center in Covington and The Audrey Hepburn CARE Center of Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.
The defendant was represented by Attorney Ralph Whalen. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Holly McGinness and Jay Adair.