A New Orleans teacher and choir director accused of sex trafficking and rape is being held without bond.
Joshua “Josh” Kagler appeared in court Monday after being arrested last Tuesday.
The state filed to hold Kagler without bail, stating five of the 12 counts could lead to a mandatory life sentence.
According to the judge, although Kagler does not have a criminal history, the nature of the offenses was enough for a decision of no bond.
Kagler’s attorney argued he is not a flight risk and has strong ties to the community, making a name for himself as someone who is in the public eye.
His attorney also argued that the allegations are over five months old and he has a right to bail and be on home incarceration in the safety of his home as the case moves forward.
She added that Kagler has not been able to work and will not be able to work in the near future.
The judge said there’s a significant flight risk and risk to the individuals involved, and Kagler had to sign protective orders to stay away from the victims.
Kagler is facing multiple felony charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors.
A second victim has come forward in this case.
According to court documents, Kagler is accused of raping and paying a minor for “sexual activity” at his home.
Court records show the victim’s mother reported concerning text messages on her son’s phone to the NOPD on March 8.
The NOPD interviewed the victim, a 16-year-old boy, who told police that he was approached by Kagler at Warren Easton Charter School.
According to court documents, the boy was invited to Kagler’s residence to smoke marijuana. While at Kagler’s residence, the boy told police he was sent money through Cash App by Kagler and was asked to do pushups in his underwear and stand naked while blindfolded.
Court documents allege that Kagler’s actions escalated to him physically abusing the boy, despite him telling Kagler to stop.
According to the documents, Kagler is accused of continuing to try to groom and pay the boy for sexual acts despite the boy saying he wouldn’t do it.
The boy told police that he stopped communicating with Kagler despite the amount of money he offered.
The court documents show that Cash App records, as well as ride-share records, showed pick-ups and drop-offs at the victim’s home, as well as payments made to the victim.
According to court records, ride shares were sent six different times between Jan. 26 and Feb. 15. Cash App records show six payments made to the boy between those same dates, according to court records.
The boy also told police that Kagler would sometimes pick him up in his personal car and pay him cash.
Kagler was featured in a BET show called “Fix My Choir,” as well as another show called “How Sweet The Sound.”
According to the NOPD, Kagler is facing 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.
The NOPD said Kagler has taught at several New Orleans schools, including George Washington Carver, McDonough 35, and Warren Easton high schools.
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,” the NOPD said in an issued statement.
To report information directly, you are asked to contact the NOPD Sex Crimes Unit at 504-658-5523. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or online at www.crimestoppersgno.org.
The Crimestoppers Safe Schools Louisiana app allows students and community members to anonymously report concerns by selecting their school, describing the issue, and even uploading photos or screenshots from social media — no names or phone numbers are required.
READ MORE:Well-known New Orleans teacher, choir director accused of sex trafficking, rape
