Demon Smith guilty of sex crime

A Shreveport man was found guilty of a sex crime against a 16-year-old girl at trial in Caddo District Court Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

The five-woman, one-man jury in District Judge Ramona Emanuel's court deliberated a little over an hour before returning its guilty verdict against Demon Smith, 38. He was charged with indecent behavior with juveniles. The trial began Monday, June 8, 2026.

After hearing testimony from the victim, her father, an advocate from the Gingerbread House and two Shreveport Police officers, jurors determined that in December 2023 Smith sent lewd and lascivious text messages to the girl, then arranged to meet with her at almost midnight. The girl's father had gotten the phone and was waiting when Smith arrived. Smith was detained by the father until police arrived.

Smith will return to Judge Emanuel’s courtroom for sentencing on July 15. He faces up to seven years in prison with or without hard labor and/or a fine of up to $5,000.  He also must register as a sex offender for 15 years upon release.

Smith was prosecuted by Fernando Grider Jr. and Stephen Folk-Cruthirds. He was represented by Dave Knadler and Royal Alexander.

The case was docket No. 399245.

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