Man charged in Polk County death case now faces sexual assault, bestiality charges

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - The Polk County man accused in the death of a mother is facing additional charges after another victim has come forward. [KTRE]

Authorities in Polk County have announced an expansion of criminal charges against a 36-year-old man whose initial investigation centered on a mother's mysterious death.

Cody Allen Laviolette became the focus of law enforcement scrutiny following the suspicious circumstances surrounding the August death of Kelly Taylor Mariah Little, a 31-year-old woman with three children. As investigators pursued that case, developments took a significant turn when an additional person came forward on Aug. 17 with allegations against Laviolette.

The new allegations have resulted in a substantial list of additional charges. Laviolette now faces counts of aggravated assault involving a deadly weapon, aggravated sexual assault, two separate counts of sexual assault, bestiality and unlawful restraint causing serious bodily injury.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office noted in a statement that the emergence of new allegations appears connected to Laviolette's continued incarceration. "Some victims have felt more comfortable coming forward after learning that Laviolette was still in custody, which helped alleviate some of their concerns for their safety," the office stated.

Investigators said they believe additional victims may exist but have not come forward. The sheriff's office is urging anyone with information about potential crimes committed by Laviolette to make contact with authorities, emphasizing that reports can be made regardless of when any alleged incidents occurred. Detective Craig Finegan and Detective Jessi Stanton are handling the investigation and can be reached at 936-327-6810.