Shreveport Police Hunt for Wanted Sex Offender Joshua Dodson: Crimes Against Children

The Shreveport Police Department is urgently calling on the public to help track down 30-year-old Joshua Dodson (born October 12, 1995). Dodson is currently the subject of an active arrest warrant stemming from a intensive sexual assault investigation that began earlier this year. 

SPD

Severe Charges Filed Following Juvenile Abuse Investigation 

The investigation was launched on March 16, 2026, after authorities received troubling allegations that Dodson had engaged in illegal sexual activity with a juvenile victim. Over the course of the subsequent months, specialized detectives conducted detailed forensic interviews, intercepted and analyzed electronic evidence, and thoroughly reviewed witness statements. 

Following the compilation of this evidence, investigators successfully secured a felony warrant for Dodson's arrest. He faces multiple severe charges, including: 

• Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile (La. R.S. 14:80) 
• Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile (La. R.S. 14:81) 
• Sexual Battery (La. R.S. 14:43.1) 

Suspect Has Prior History of Similar Offences 

This is not Dodson’s first encounter with law enforcement regarding the exploitation of minors. During the background phase of the investigation, detectives confirmed that Dodson has a prior criminal conviction for Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile.  

The Shreveport Police Department has reiterated its strict commitment to aggressively investigating crimes against children and ensuring that repeat offenders are held fully accountable under Louisiana law. 

Public Assistance Needed: How to Submit a Tip 

Authorities are asking anyone who has seen Joshua Dodson, or who has any knowledge of his current whereabouts, to take immediate action. 

• Direct Police Line: Contact the Shreveport Police Department at (318) 673-7300. 

• Anonymous Tips: Information can be submitted completely anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling (318) 673-7373. 

Resources in Shreveport for Victims of Sexual Abuse 

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, abuse, or exploitation, confidential help is available right here in the Shreveport and Greater Northwest Louisiana area. 

• The Gingerbread House Children’s Advocacy Center 

• Specialty:��Dedicated entirely to child abuse victims, child witnesses to violent crimes, and their non-offending caregivers. They provide trauma-informed counseling, family advocacy, and a safe environment during forensic investigations.   Contact: (318) 674-2900 | 1700 Buckner Square, Suite 101, Shreveport, LA 

• Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center (NWLA FJC) 

• Specialty: A collaborative central hub providing free, optional, and confidential support services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. They assist with safety planning, legal advocacy, counseling, and shelter referrals.  Contact: (318) 584-7171 | 24-Hour State Crisis Line: 1-888-411-1333 

• PCI Sexual Assault Center (Project Celebration) 

• Specialty: Provides local crisis intervention, medical/legal accompaniment, and specialized advocacy for sexual assault survivors across Caddo, Bossier, and Webster parishes.   Contact: 24-Hour Local Sexual Assault Hotline: (318) 227-7900 | 2900 Hearne Avenue, Shreveport, LA  

• National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) 

• Specialty: Free, confidential, 24/7 support available nationwide for survivors and their loved ones.  Contact: 1-800-656-4673