Joshua Kagler, a teacher at several New Orleans high schools, was arrested on multiple felony counts related to the sexual exploitation of minors.
NEW ORLEANS — A local award-winning gospel artist and Warren Easton High School choir teacher is facing multiple felony charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors.
New Orleans police took Joshua “Josh” Kagler, 38, into custody Tuesday morning and booked him into the Orleans Justice Center on five counts of trafficking of children for sexual purposes, five counts of indecent behavior with juveniles, one count of third-degree rape and one count of sexual battery.
According to Kagler’s arrest affidavit, the charges stem from a complaint by the mother of a 16-year-old boy about concerning text messages on her son’s cellphone. She described the messages from an adult man as sexual in nature.
The report also stated the boy told investigators he had been approached by a teacher from Warren Easton Charter High School. The teacher was later identified as Kagler.
The boy stated that Kagler invited him to his home to smoke marijuana.
According to the affidavit, Kagler began paying the boy for sexual activities. Investigators said the 16-year-old objected when things escalated from Kagler observing him to Kagler making physical contact.
The boy reported that all incidents occurred at Kagler’s home and that Kagler either personally picked him up and dropped him off or arranged for a rideshare service to transport him.
He also told investigators Kagler paid him in cash or through a cash app.
Police said, “Kagler groomed the boy to perform sexual acts and used money as bait.”
Kagler was still listed on the Warren Easton website as a choir instructor. In a statement, the school confirmed Kagler was previously employed at Warren Easton during the 2024–2025 school year.
“This individual is no longer employed at the school. While we are unable to share specific details due to privacy laws and the active nature of the investigation, we can confirm that we are fully cooperating with the New Orleans Police Department. The safety and well-being of our students is—and always will be—our top priority.”
He previously taught at two other New Orleans-area schools, including George Washington Carver and McDonough 35.
A spokesperson from New Orleans Public Schools also stressed student safety.
“To that end, NOLA Public Schools has been in contact with Joshua Kagler’s most recent employer, Warren Easton. The school is fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation of Mr. Kagler.”
Kagler is also a well-known performer at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival with his Harmonistic Praise Crusade. He contributed to the Grammy Award-winning best roots gospel album “Church.”
According to police, the investigation is active and ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.
The NOPD urges any other potential victims to come forward. “We understand this may be difficult, but your safety and privacy are our top priority. You are not alone.”
Kagler was expected to make his first appearance before a New Orleans magistrate judge Tuesday afternoon.
5 counts of trafficking of children for sexual purposes5 counts of indecent behavior with juveniles1 count of third-degree rape1 count of sexual battery
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the NOPD Sex Crimes Unit at (504) 658-5523 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111 or crimestoppersgno.org.
► Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.