NEW ORLEANS — Joshua “Josh” Kagler, a local award-winning gospel artist and choir teacher at Warren Easton High School, has been arrested and charged with multiple serious felonies involving the sexual exploitation of minors.
Authorities took Kagler, 38, into custody Tuesday morning and booked him at the Orleans Justice Center. He faces five counts of trafficking children for sexual purposes, five counts of indecent behavior with juveniles, one count of third-degree rape, and one count of sexual battery.
The charges originated from a complaint made by the mother of a 16-year-old boy who found sexually explicit messages on her son’s phone. The boy told investigators that Kagler, identified as a teacher at Warren Easton Charter High School, had approached him.
According to the arrest affidavit, Kagler invited the boy to his home to smoke marijuana and later began paying him for sexual acts. The 16-year-old reportedly resisted as Kagler’s behavior escalated from observation to physical contact. All incidents occurred at Kagler’s residence, with Kagler either driving the boy or arranging rideshare transport. Payments were made in cash and via a cash app.
Police stated that Kagler groomed the minor by using money as an incentive for sexual acts.
Kagler was listed as a choir instructor on Warren Easton’s website for the 2024–2025 school year but is no longer employed there. The school confirmed they are cooperating fully with police and emphasized student safety as their top priority.
Before Warren Easton, Kagler taught at George Washington Carver and McDonough 35 schools in the New Orleans area.
Beyond teaching, Kagler is known in the local music scene, performing at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival with his group, Harmonistic Praise Crusade. He also contributed to the Grammy-winning gospel album Church.
The investigation remains active. Police are urging any other potential victims to come forward, assuring that their safety and privacy will be protected.
A magistrate judge has ordered Kagler held without bond pending a hearing scheduled for Monday afternoon.
