Public Safety
Former Darien Resident Indicted on Child Rape Charges in Louisiana [Updates]
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A Louisiana grand jury has indicted Frank Szeles (formerly Frank John Selas III), a former Darien resident, on charges related to accusations of raping children when he was host of a children’s show in the 1970s. __________
Authorities in Louisiana have asked the public:
Anyone with any information associated with crimes believed to be perpetrated by Frank John Selas III A.K.A. Frank John Szeles, A.K.A. “Mr. Wonder” are asked to contact Detective Stephen Phillips Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 473-6727, Crime Stoppers at (318) 443-7867, or your local law enforcement. __________
Szeles, who legally changed his name in 1992 (although authorities in Louisiana continue to use his former name), was charged with two counts of aggravated rape, three counts of sexual battery and eight counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile, the Associated Press reported on Thursday, citing Brian Mosley, a prosecutor in the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office. Szeles hosted the “Mr. Wonder” children’s show on KNOE-TV in northern Louisiana in the 1970s and went on camping trips with a number of children. In 1979, after parents accused him of sexually abusing their children on a camping trip, a warrant was issued for Szeles’ arrest.