Sumrall, MS Man Arrested for 1997 Rape Following Terrebonne Parish SVU Investigation
TERREBONNE PARISH, LA — Sheriff Tim Soignet has announced the arrest of 62-year-old Jeffrey Joseph Antill of Sumrall, Mississippi, in connection with a disturbing cold case investigation led by the Special Victim’s Unit (SVU) of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Antill has been charged with Third-Degree Rape following a detailed and months-long investigation stemming from a report filed earlier this year.
The case began in January 2025, when a survivor came forward with allegations that she had been raped by Antill in 1997, when she was just 13 years old. According to the sheriff’s office, the survivor reported that the abuse was not a singular incident, but part of a pattern of continuous sexual abuse that spanned several years. She identified Antill as the perpetrator and bravely sat down for an extensive and highly detailed interview with SVU Detectives.
Following her report, detectives began a painstaking investigation, examining decades-old information and working closely with the survivor to uncover corroborating evidence. Despite the passage of nearly 30 years, the Special Victim’s Unit was able to substantiate the allegations brought forward by the survivor. Their findings ultimately resulted in a warrant for Antill’s arrest.
Antill was located at his residence in Sumrall, Mississippi, by local law enforcement and taken into custody. After being extradited to Louisiana, he was officially booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex, where he is currently being held without bond as ordered by local judges.
Ongoing Investigation
The arrest marks a significant milestone in a case that had remained hidden for far too long. However, authorities caution that the investigation remains active and ongoing. It is currently unknown whether additional victims or charges may surface as detectives continue to examine the full extent of Antill’s actions.
In his official statement, Sheriff Tim Soignet commended the dedication of the SVU Detectives and emphasized the importance of allowing space and privacy for the survivor as the process unfolds:
“Our Detectives are working closely with the victim to bring a resolution to this disturbing investigation. As always, we ask for patience and privacy for the victim and those affected by this investigation. This investigation remains ongoing, and I know our Detectives will do what is needed to make sure this dangerous perpetrator is brought to justice.”
A Message to the Community
The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who may have additional information related to this case — or who may have experienced similar abuse at the hands of Antill — to come forward and speak with investigators. Survivors of abuse are encouraged to report incidents, no matter how much time has passed, as law enforcement remains committed to pursuing justice for all victims.
This case highlights the importance of survivor advocacy, trauma-informed investigations, and the perseverance of law enforcement in handling sensitive crimes of this nature. It also stands as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact sexual violence can have on victims and the importance of providing support and justice regardless of how much time has elapsed.
Jeffrey Joseph Antill remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
