Daniel Havis found guilty of multiple sex crimes

A Shreveport man was convicted in Caddo District Court Wednesday, November 5, 2025, of multiple sex crimes against two female juveniles.

The five-man, seven-woman jury in District Judge Donald Hathaway Jr.'s court deliberated almost two hours before returning its unanimous guilty-as-charged verdicts against Daniel Scott Havis, 34, on four counts of sexual abuse: third-degree rape, sexual battery of a person under age 15, sexual battery and indecent behavior with a juvenile.

Over the course of the trial, the prosecutors called eight witnesses to prove Havis repeatedly raped and sexually abused the minor daughter of a female acquaintance from January 1, 2020 through May 31, 2022. The victim disclosed the sexual abuse to a local youth minister who made a police report and notified the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. The DCFS investigation validated the mother’s neglect and Havis's abuse.

Havis also propositioned and groped a second juvenile who was visiting in the home. That incident was charged as indecent behavior with a juvenile. Both victims were interviewed at the Gingerbread House and those interviews were played for the jury in addition to their live testimony. Defense attorneys argued that the victims were not believable and the jury should acquit. The jury rejected that argument.

Havis will return to Judge Hathaway's court for sentencing November 18, 2025. For the third-degree rape conviction, Havis faces up 25 years in prison. The two counts of sexual battery each carry a penalty range of up to 10 years and the indecent behavior with a juvenile conviction carries a penalty of up to seven years. 

Assistant District Attorneys Jason Waltman and Chase Burgess prosecuted the case. Hilary Hileman and Harry Johnson defended Havis.

The case was docket No. 399872.