THIBODAUX- A man has been arrested after he allegedly picked up a teenager after school and raped her.

Jericho Helmer, 23, was arrested and charged with second-degree rape of a 15-year-old girl.

Authorities say the investigation began on Nov. 1 when the girl did not return home from school.

According to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office, detectives learned that the girl went to a friend's house after school and Helmer later offered to give her a ride to a different location. Helmer then forced the 15-year-old to have sexual intercourse with him.

Afterwards, the girl went to a nearby residence to seek help and the resident contacted LPSO.

Friday, deputies contacted Helmer. He admitted to having sex with the girl, but declared it to be consensual. 

Deputies obtained a warrant for Helmer and he was booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center in Thibodaux, where he was charged with second-degree rape. Helmer was additionally booked on a Contempt of Court warrant for the town of Golden Meadow.

His bond is set at $25,300.