2 Arrested in Separate Obscenity Incidents in Shreveport

Shreveport Police Address Public Indecency with Obscenity Arrests

On July 20, 2025, the Shreveport Police Department took two individuals into custody in separate incidents, each facing a charge of obscenity. These arrests, which included Melvin Dumas in the 2000 block of Marshall Street and LaTerrence Knuckles in the 1200 block of Texas Street, underscore the Department's ongoing commitment to upholding public decency and safety within Shreveport communities.

Understanding Obscenity Charges in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the crime of obscenity, defined under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:106, encompasses a range of behaviors deemed offensive or indecent by contemporary community standards. This can include the intentional exposure of genitals, pubic hair, anus, vulva, or female breast nipples in a public place with the intent of arousing sexual desire or that appeals to prurient interest or is patently offensive. Beyond simple exposure, obscenity also covers the public portrayal of "hard core sexual conduct" for commercial gain, which includes explicit sexual acts, masturbation, lewd exhibition of certain body parts, and sadomasochistic abuse. Additionally, the transmission of unsolicited sexually explicit materials to wireless devices and the solicitation of minors for certain acts are also classified as obscenity. Penalties for a first conviction of obscenity can include fines from $1,000 to $2,500 and/or imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for six months to three years.

Resources for Victims of Sexual Crimes in Shreveport

For individuals in Shreveport who have been victims of sexual crimes, several crucial resources are available to provide support and assistance:

• NWLA Family Justice Center: Offers a 24-hour crisis hotline at 318-226-5015 and provides comprehensive, coordinated services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
• YWCA of Northwest Louisiana Sexual Assault Advocacy Center: Provides a 24-hour crisis line, individual and group counseling, victim advocacy, court accompaniment, and community education for survivors. They can be reached through the NWLA Family Justice Center.
• Caddo Parish District Attorney's Office - Victim Assistance Program: Acts as a liaison between victims and prosecutors, offering information, support, and assistance throughout the legal process. They can be reached at (318) 226-6826.
• Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS): Victims can register with LAVNS at 1-866-528-6748 to receive notifications about an offender's release from jail and parole hearings.