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Shreveport man convicted of molestation, indecent behavior of juvenile

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Shreveport man was found guilty of molesting a juvenile and indecent behavior on Tuesday. Caddo Parish District Attorney revealed that the juvenile was 12-years-old at the time. According to the Caddo D.A. stated 'a three-man, three-woman jury in District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr.'s court found LaQuinton Eckles, 38, guilty after deliberating for 70 minutes. 'Over the course of the trial, the Caddo District Attorney's office called seven witnesses to prove that on Mother's Day in 2022, Eckles molested the minor victim. One week prior to the crime, Eckles spent several hours with the now-15 year-old child. On the night of the crime, the victim's mother consented for Eckles to visit with the child for two hours; however, he failed to return the child as promised and kept her out past midnight. The following day the girl reported the attack to her counselor, who notified the police,' detailed the Caddo District Attorney. The trial was scheduled to began Monday at 1 p.m. but was delayed because Eckles had been arrested over the weekend on unrelated charges in DeSoto Parish and had to be transported to court from Mansfield. 'The victim was interviewed at the Gingerbread House and that recorded interview was played for the jury. At trial, Eckles denied ever being alone with the child. The jury rejected that assertion, returning its guilty verdicts.' 'Following conviction, defense counsel moved for an appeal bond to allow Eckles to remain free pending sentencing. Judge Hathaway denied that request, citing defendant's arrest in DeSoto for unrelated criminal activity while on bond for the molestation charge.' The Caddo District Attorney stated Eckles sentencing is set for February 18, 2025. The DA says, he faces from five to 20 years in prison for molestation of a juvenile when the offender has custody or control over the victim, and up to seven years in prison for the indecent behavior with a juvenile conviction. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.