NEW ORLEANS, LA — A 38-year-old former teacher at multiple New Orleans schools has been arrested on 12 felony charges involving the sexual exploitation of minors.
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) announced the arrest of Joshua “Josh” Kagler on Friday morning, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Task Force. Kagler, once a Grammy-winning choir teacher, was taken into custody as part of an investigation into a cold case involving child abuse.
According to NOPD, the Special Victims Division’s Child Abuse Cold Case Unit identified Kagler as the suspect in multiple incidents involving juvenile victims. While the department has not publicly released the timeline of the alleged offenses, investigators say Kagler’s actions include rape and trafficking children for sex.
Kagler now faces the following 12 felony charges:
5 counts of trafficking of children for sexual purposes
5 counts of indecent behavior with juveniles
1 count of third-degree rape
1 count of sexual battery
Authorities confirmed that Kagler worked at several area schools including George Washington Carver, McDonough 35, and Warren Easton, where he was reportedly employed as recently as the past school year.
Detectives are actively investigating whether additional victims may exist. Officials are urging anyone with information to come forward, and they encourage students and community members to report concerns through the Crimestoppers Safe Schools Louisiana App, which allows anonymous reporting.
