Cathron convicted of rape, faces castration

A Shreveport man who forced himself sexually upon a teenaged female family member, and who has a history of such behavior, was found guilty of second degree rape Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

The six-man, six-woman jury in District Judge Ramona Emanuel's court deliberated about 20 minutes before returning its unanimous guilty verdict against Floyd Lee Cathron, 61. Jurors heard testimony from the victim and her mother, as well as the victim's counselor, a forensic interviewer and three police officers detailing the January 10, 2024 attack. Jurors also heard testimony regarding four prior instances of the defendant having sexual intercourse with children.

For conviction of second-degree rape, Cathron faces a prison term of up to 40 years at hard labor and lifetime registration as a sex offender. He also faces enhanced sentencing due to his prior criminal convictions for aggravated incest, aggravated rape and two counts of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile stemming from convictions in the early 2000s.

The state also will seek enforcement of the new Louisiana castration law for sex offenders given Cathron’s prior history and his new conviction.

Cathron will return to Judge Emanuel’s court for sentencing April 7, 2026.

Cathron was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Fernando Grider Jr. and Senae D. Hall. He was defended by Royal Alexander and Dave Knadler.

The case was docket No. 405583.

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