Golf pro accused of solicitng sex from minor waives jury trial

A 66-year-old golf instructor accused of sending text messages to solicit sex from a 13-year-old child in St. Mary Parish waived his right to a trial by jury April 14, according to 16th Judicial District Court records.
Paul Henslee, 66, of Baton Rouge, requested instead to have a trial by judge. According to state police, Henslee was known for his many years of work in the Baton Rouge and St. Mary Parish areas with children interested in golf.
In August 2013, authorities received a phone call from a parent of a 13-year-old child who had received disturbing text messages from Henslee, according to the affidavit.
At the time of his arrest, Louisiana State Police reported the child was a boy.
A detective met with the parent and decided the detective would assume the identity of the child to keep track of the movement and intentions of Henslee, according to the affidavit.
The detective communicated with Henslee over several days during which the communications became sexual in nature, according to the affidavit. During one communication, Henslee requested the child’s parent’s phone number so he could arrange a meeting. Henslee went on to describe the sexual activity that would occur, according to the affidavit.
Henslee contacted the child’s parent and arranged the meeting, according to the affidavit. Henslee was arrested by state police Sept. 4, 2013, and charged with computer aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with a juvenile.
Henslee’s bail was set at $300,000 on Sept. 6, 2013, and reduced to $200,000 on Nov. 19, according to court records. Henslee’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 19.