Today, August 21st, Choi Van Leo, 60, Spirit Lake, IA, was found guilty
as charged of crimes he committed more than 25 years ago. Leo was found guilty as charged of three (3) counts Aggravated Rape; and four (4) counts Molestation of a Juvenile Under the Age of
Thirteen.
From 1992 until August 28, 2000, Leo raped and molested seven children
ages ranging from 4 years old to 12 years old at the time of the crimes. Law enforcement issued an arrest warrant on September 15, 2000, for the charges of aggravated rape, aggravated oral sexual
battery, and aggravated sexual battery. Unfortunately, Leo learned about the arrest warrant before law enforcement could arrest him, and he fled the state and hid for almost 24 years. On May 24,
2024, Leo was finally arrested in Spirit Lake, Iowa after the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s office received some information from a source about his possible whereabouts.
“Justice has finally caught up with this disgusting predator. After more
than 25 years on the run, he will now face the consequences for the horrific crimes he committed against innocent children. No child should ever endure the abuse and trauma that his victims
suffered, and I commend them for their courage in speaking out,” said District Attorney Stephen Dwight.
He continued, “While nothing can erase the trauma these victims have
carried, this verdict ensures that their voices were heard and that accountability was delivered. Our office will continue to stand with survivors and fight for all victims of
abuse.”
Sentencing for Leo will be September 24, 2025 before Judge Bobby Holmes.
Leo is facing 3 mandatory life sentences.
Chief of Litigation Charles Robinson and Deputy Chief of Litigation
Taylor Alexander prosecuted the case for the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office.