A 41-year-old Chalmette man booked with aggravated rape of a girl under age 7 who is the daughter of a woman he knew; He is being held on $750,000 bond

A 41-year-old Chalmette man has been booked with aggravated rape of a girl under age 7, who is the daughter of a woman the man knew, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Lucas Silva, arrested Thursday night, March 13, is being held in St. Bernard Parish Prison in lieu of bond set Friday at $750,000.

Silva had the girl take part in sex acts with him, Sheriff Pohllmann said.

He would face up to life in prison if convicted of aggravated rape of the child.

Silva, who speaks little English, also has a hold placed on him by federal immigration officials because he is believed to be in the country illegally, the sheriff said.

The child’s mother contacted the Sheriff’s Office nearly a month ago to report she believed Silva had had sex with the girl based on what the child had told her, the sheriff said.

The Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Division investigated the case, including interviews and medical examination, then sought a warrant for Silva’s arrest from a judge, which was obtained, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

He said Silva was arrested at his residence.