John Allen Russ to serve 17 years for domestic violence

A local dentist who pleaded guilty in August to numerous domestic violence felonies was sentenced to 17 years in prison -- the maximum allowed under law -- for his crimes.

John Allen Russ, 39, of Shreveport, was ordered to serve eight years at hard labor for domestic abuse battery with serious bodily injury, three years at hard labor for domestic abuse battery by strangulation, and to three years at hard labor for each of two counts of domestic abuse battery with child endangerment. District Judge Chris Victory ordered the terms to be served consecutively. In his sentencing, Judge Victory cited Russ’s likelihood of committing additional violent acts and determined he posed a risk to the community.

Russ, who previously practiced dentistry in Louisiana and Texas, pleaded guilty in Caddo District Court August 3, 2026. 

The charges stemmed from a violent domestic attack that occurred early May 4, 2024, at a Shreveport residence Russ and his victim, at the time his fiancée, shared. Russ became enraged and attacked the woman. He pulled her by her feet from the bed, pinned her to the floor and then forced her against a bedroom door while choking her. Russ held her by the neck with such force she was lifted completely off the ground, unable to breathe. She believed she was going to die. Somehow, she broke free but Russ grabbed her by the head and slammed her into a dresser, injuring her forehead. She lost consciousness and awoke bleeding on the floor.

Two children, both under age 13, were inside the residence at the time, leading to the domestic abuse battery with child endangerment charges.

Police investigating the incident learned that Russ had committed other acts of violence against the victim that she had been too afraid to report.

Prosecution was handled by the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office's Special Victims Unit, with Assistant District Attorneys Britney A. Green and Ron Christopher Stamps representing the state. Russ was defended by J. Dhu Thompson.

"We recognize the tremendous courage it takes for victims to come forward and remain engaged throughout the prosecution of these difficult cases," said District Attorney James E. Stewart, Sr. who emphasized the importance of protecting victims of domestic violence and holding offenders accountable. "Our Special Victims Unit exists to stand beside those impacted by domestic and family violence, to pursue accountability, and to help protect our community. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of these crimes and our continued commitment to the safety of victims and their families."

The case was docket No. 404557.

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