Patterson’s sentencing follows his conviction by a St. Tammany Parish jury on October 16, 2025, for Oral Sexual Battery of a Victim Under 15 and Molestation of a Juvenile.
The charges stem from sexual crimes Patterson committed against his then-fiancée’s teenage daughter, which occurred in 2022. A 13-year-old girl disclosed the abuse to a trusted adult, which initiated an investigation by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, led by then-Detective Nicholas Fishel.
Forensic interviewer Cally Huggins with the Children’s Advocacy Center’s Hope House conducted a critical interview with the victim. The victim detailed how Patterson initially gained her trust before progressively coercing her into various sexual acts over an extended period.
Patterson, when questioned, acknowledged having an improper relationship with the victim. Family members described Patterson as being “overly interested” in the victim and found his interactions “odd.”
Assistant District Attorneys Taylor Nicholson and Gary Tromblay prosecuted the case, which was presided over by Judge Gardner. The jury delivered the guilty verdict after a four-day trial.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Gardner noted the heinous nature of the abuse of trust and authority by Patterson against a vulnerable family member. Due to Patterson’s two convictions and taking into account his history of prior drug-related convictions, Judge Gardner imposed the maximum consecutive sentences possible under the law, resulting in the 20-year sentence without parole eligibility.
District Attorney Sims stated, “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the offenses and the profound breach of trust involved. While it ensures the offender will be incarcerated for a significant period of time, the lasting harm inflicted on the victim cannot be measured by any term of imprisonment. Our office remains committed to pursuing accountability and justice in every case involving the exploitation of children.”