A 27-year-old Moss Bluff man convicted last month in the 2018 rape of a 13-year-old girl will serve 40 years behind bars.

Joesph H. Constance, 27, was found guilty April 28 of one count of second-degree rape.

Constance, who was a family acquaintance of the girl, was accused of raping her after giving her an alcoholic drink. She testified he then threatened to hurt her and her family should she tell anyone what happened.

Judge Clayton Davis sentenced Constance on Wednesday to the maximum sentence of 40 years in prison at hard labor without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

“I am beyond proud of the victim in this case for sharing her story so courageously,” said Calcasieu Parish Assistant District Attorney Hope Buford. “Today not only shows that justice will always prevail, but it shows victims of rape that there is hope and people want to hear their story. I’m honored I had the opportunity to represent this victim, but she should be the one getting all the credit today for being brave enough to share her story with the world.”