Woman testifies in Melanie Curtin's rape, video voyeurism trial

Witness describes abusive marriage to convicted sex offender Dennis Perkins

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:19pm

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A woman testified this week in the trial of Melanie Curtin, who faces charges of simple rape and video voyeurism. The witness, the former wife of convicted sex offender Dennis Perkins, told jurors she has no memory of the night the alleged crimes occurred. Prosecutors presented text messages showing Curtin asked to come over to the residence, where she drank alcohol with the victim and Perkins.

Why it matters

This case is connected to a broader investigation into Perkins, a former Livingston Parish sheriff's deputy currently serving a 100-year prison sentence for severe sex crimes. The victim only learned of the alleged incident years later when investigators contacted her after discovering a video during their investigation into Perkins.

The details

The witness provided testimony about her abusive marriage to Perkins, which lasted from 2011 to 2015. She identified Curtin as a family friend of Perkins and noted the three of them often spent time together. Prosecutors presented text messages showing Curtin asked to come over to the residence, where she drank alcohol with both the victim and Perkins. The victim testified she has no memory of the events following the consumption of alcohol and only learned what had allegedly happened years later.

  • The trial is ongoing and is expected to resume on Monday afternoon.

The players

Melanie Curtin

Faces charges of simple rape and video voyeurism in connection to this case.

Dennis Perkins

A convicted sex offender and former Livingston Parish sheriff's deputy who is currently serving a 100-year prison sentence for severe sex crimes.

The victim

The former wife of Dennis Perkins, who testified that she has no memory of the night the alleged crimes occurred.

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What they’re saying

“She identified Curtin as a family friend of Perkins and noted that the three of them often spent time together.”

— The victim (louisianafirstnews.com)

“The victim testified that she has no memory of the events following the consumption of alcohol.”

— The victim (louisianafirstnews.com)

What’s next

The judge has paused the trial until Monday afternoon. Proceedings are expected to resume at that time.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and disturbing nature of sex crimes, particularly when they involve multiple perpetrators and victims with limited memories of the events. It underscores the importance of thorough investigations and the need for support and justice for survivors.