A local man was convicted in Caddo District Court of a sex act against a minor female Thursday, October 10, 2019.
The six person jury — four women, two men — unanimously determined that Steve Robert Ranney, 39, was guilty as charged of indecent behavior with a juvenile. He was a resident of DeSoto Parish at the time but subsequently moved to Shreveport, according to court filings.
On November 13, 2015, Ranney picked up the 14-year-old victim from her high school in DeSoto Parish without her mother’s knowledge or permission. He then brought the girl to Shreveport and took her to one of his rental properties, where he kissed her, touched her vagina and tried to unbutton her pants before she stopped him.
Ranney has a prior conviction for felony contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile in 2017, out of DeSoto Parish and involving the same victim.
When Ranney returns to face District Judge Charles Tutt November 7, 2019, he faces up to seven years is prison, with or without hard labor, and a fine of up to $5,000. He also must register as a sex offender. The case was docket No. 338614.
Ranney was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Kodie K. Smith and Mallory Richard. He defended himself, with Mary Harried from the Caddo Parish Public Defender’s office appointed as standby counsel.