After a sprawling criminal investigation that started with a complaint about his behavior in Florida, a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and FBI special agent tasked with investigating crimes against children now faces sex crime charges of his own involving juvenile and adult victims in both Louisiana and Texas.
David Harris, 51, was arrested last month in Ascension Parish, where he lives. During a bond hearing July 1, the court declared him a "threat to the public at large" and ordered him held without bail. The decision came after an investigator testified that Harris had threatened two of his victims with violence in an apparent attempt to keep them quiet.
The allegations date back several years, overlapping with the successful law enforcement and military careers Harris pursued for decades, starting with his 1992 graduation from West Point. His most recent assignment for the FBI involved investigating crimes against children, including child pornography.
His own alleged crimes span three Southern states and involve a handful of victims, both children and adults, according to court records and law enforcement officials.
Harris was arrested in Ascension Parish on counts of indecent behavior with children under 13 and crimes against nature. He has an outstanding warrant in Orleans Parish for sexual battery and attempted third-degree rape and a warrant in East Baton Rouge for aggravated crimes against nature, indecent behavior with juveniles, obscenity and witness intimidation.
In Smith County, Texas, he faces charges of indecency with a child. Harris remains under investigation in Florida, but no warrant has been issued there.
Details about the allegations remain scarce because the Louisiana warrants were filed under seal, and Texas officials have not released theirs.
A New Orleans-based FBI agent arrested last week on numerous sexual misconduct charges involving children is now being held without bond in As
In the meantime, a transcript from the bond hearing reveals the scope of the ongoing investigation and new details about the case.
Sgt. Jay Donaldson, a Louisiana state trooper assigned to the case, testified that Harris had "threatened a juvenile victim and also planned to harm another victim if any problems arose for him."
Donaldson also testified that the two victims in Ascension Parish case are minors.
Ascension Parish Judge Katherine Tess Stromberg concluded Harris posed a danger to the public if released from jail. She deemed him a flight risk after hearing testimony about his close connections to relatives in Alaska, including his father and siblings.
Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today.
Harris also had an intimate relationship with a woman in Alaska whom he recently contacted, which "gives us reason to believe that may be an issue upon his release that he goes to Alaska," Donaldson said.
Harris lived with his wife and daughter in Prairieville but sometimes traveled for work and to visit family, officials said. He was assigned to the FBI New Orleans Field Office.
Attorneys for Harris emphasized that he knew about the allegations for months before his arrest and made no moves to evade law enforcement.
He learned about the investigation not long after the complaint was received in February, when he was completing an 18-month assignment to the FBI Internet Crimes Against Children unit based in Baltimore, his attorney said. At that point, he was placed on indefinite suspension from the assignment and sent back to Baton Rouge, his local FBI office.
Months later, he was arrested in Ascension Parish. He had no disciplinary record with the FBI and no known criminal history at the time, investigators testified.
Harris served as an infantry officer in the Army Reserve based in Louisiana, according to a military spokesman. His record includes numerous awards and commendations.
"He has served this country honorably for his entire life," his attorney Craig Mordock said during the hearing. "These allegations are completely out of character."
But prosecutors noted the seriousness and scope of the alleged offenses.
"While he does not have a previous record as far as convictions, he does have a history of doing this all over the United States," said Assistant District Attorney Leila Braswell.
Those cases and the one in Texas likely will proceed after the charges in Ascension are resolved.
It was not immediately clear whether Harris had been placed on leave from either the FBI or the Army Reserve. FBI officials have declined to answer questions about his employment status, saying only that the agency is "fully cooperating in this matter."
Excerpt from:
- Ascension Public Schools to hold public forums on school bond renewal election - WAFB - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Eran Hersh and Kasango Unite for Tribal House Anthem, "Ascension" - EDM.com - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Honkai Star Rail Jingliu best build, Ascension materials, Traces, and Light Cone - Eurogamer.net - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Ascension Sacred Heart Bay fights hypertension with new procedure - The News Herald - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Honkai Star Rail Aventurine materials, kit, and Eidolons - Eurogamer.net - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Live Oak victorious over East Ascension | Sports | livingstonparishnews.com - The Livingston Parish News - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Honkai: Star Rail Leaks Harmony Trailblazer Ascension and Trace Materials - GameRant - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Genshin Impact Neuvillette materials, kit, and Constellations - Eurogamer.net - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- While Ascension shelter closes for quarantine, non-profit group taking in additional cats - WBRZ - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Joliet nurses to strike after turning down Ascension Healthcare's 'best and final' offer - Yahoo News - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Denham Springs victorious over East Ascension | Sports | livingstonparishnews.com - The Livingston Parish News - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Genshin Impact Xianyun best build, Talent and Ascension materials, weapon, and team - Eurogamer.net - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Joliet Nurses to Strike Protesting Illegal Implementation of Ascension Offer - The Times Weekly - February 7th, 2024 [February 7th, 2024]
- Ascension Michigan CEO discusses faith in health care at UTG at Work roundtable - Detroit Catholic - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Ascension Parish deputies arrest man accused of stealing cash, guns from cars - Yahoo! Voices - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- After 455 days in shelter, Ascension pup gets forever home amid freezing temps - WAFB - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Ascension Community Theatre to put on 110th show with A Raisin in the Sun - BRProud.com - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Positive takeaways for the Cowboys? CeeDee Lambs ascension, DaRon Blands meteoric rise - The Athletic - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- When, where Atomic Burger will open in Ascension Parish - BRProud.com - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Here is a look inside the new West Ascension Early Learning Center in Donaldsonville - Weekly Citizen - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- What's going on in Ascension Parish? Winter 2024 events calendar for Gonzales, Donaldsonville, Prairieville, Sorrento ... - Weekly Citizen - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Several pets find homes following freezing weather in Ascension Parish - Weekly Citizen - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Krewe of Ascension Mambo's 2024 Mardi Gras parade set for Feb. 3 in Gonzales - Weekly Citizen - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Ascension Parish man accused of assaulting law enforcement officers during Jan. 6: U.S. attorney report - Weekly Citizen - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Ascension Parish, LA High School Girls Basketball Schedule, Streaming Live Today - January 26 - KSLA - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Winey named as supervisor of early childhood education in Ascension Parish - The Advocate - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Firefighters battle blaze at Donaldsonville building | Ascension | theadvocate.com - The Advocate - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Ascension Parish to receive $2.2 million in FEMA funding for Hurricane Ida debris removal - Weekly Citizen - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Society Gala Honoring 2024 Award Winners - Rutherford Source - January 27th, 2024 [January 27th, 2024]
- Genvid denies using AI to write Silent Hill: Ascension - GamesIndustry.biz - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Uptick in COVID and flu prompts universal masking at Ascension Via Christi - News Radio KMAN - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Silent Hill: Ascension's terrible Jam Man (who likes to make jams) was not written by AI, says Genvid CEO: 'every word ... - PC Gamer - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Silent Hill Ascension co-creator responds to claims it's written by an AI - PCGamesN - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Ascension Borgess Lee Foundation hosts annual Tree of Love ... - Leader Publications - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Ascension St. John joins Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Okla.'s ... - Tulsa World - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Ascension St. Vincent takes active role with Habitat for Humanity ... - Catholic Diocese of Evansville - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Ascension's science chief on the mission-driven work to increase ... - Becker's Hospital Review - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Ascension St. Vincent sleep apnea patient 'inspired' after life-saving ... - WRTV Indianapolis - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Positive HCAHPS scores again for St. Vincent's Chilton - The ... - Clanton Advertiser - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Where does DaRon Blands rapid ascension put him in Defensive Player of the Year discourse? - The Athletic - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Silent Hill Ascension Could Be A Bad Sign For The Future Of Gaming - CBR - Comic Book Resources - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- VIRAL-WORTHY | The 'ascension story' of Stephen Sanchez | Reine ... - BusinessMirror - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Construction to begin on long-term project to prevent storm surge ... - KTBS - May 26th, 2023 [May 26th, 2023]
- How To Reach Cere's Base In Star Wars Jedi: Survivor - TheGamer - May 26th, 2023 [May 26th, 2023]
- Knife-wielding man arrested after threatening Ascension Borgess staff - WWMT-TV - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Pat McAfees Ascension to ESPN Superstardom Is a Sign of the Times - The Ringer - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Online threat made against East Ascension High prompts police investigation - WBRZ - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Is Thursday a holy day of obligation? It depends on where you live - Catholic News Agency - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Inaugural VCT Ascension Pacific 2023 is heading to Thailand - ONE Esports - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Honkai: Star Rail Jing Yuan Ascension and Trace Materials - GameRant - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- WSU, Ascension announce partnership to bolster health care ... - The Derby Informer - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Wichita State and Ascension Via Christi partnership works to alleviate nursing shortage - KSN-TV - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Our Human Nature Attains Heaven in the Ascension - Catholic Exchange - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Finding the balance within educational excellence prepares Ascension Episcopal seniors to master valuable life skills - The Advocate - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Ascension Parish Council's Aaron Lawler will not run for re-election - Weekly Citizen - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Jesus Is Still With Us Even After His Ascension To Heaven - CatholicPhilly.com - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Ascension, Assumption & St. James guilty pleas 5/8 to 5/12 - L ... - L'Observateur - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Yae Miko ascension materials and where to find them - The Sportsrush - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Repainted mural portrays ascension of Jesus at First Evangelical ... - TribLIVE - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Around Ascension for May 17, 2023 | Ascension | theadvocate.com - The Advocate - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Gospel in Art: The Ascension of Our Lord | ICN - Independent Catholic News - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Stories of Power from the Vulnerable People - America: The Jesuit Review - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- SPRING FOOTBALL | Beard pleased with Yellow Jackets' work ... - The Livingston Parish News - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Highs of 30C expected in Germany over Ascension Day weekend - IamExpat in Germany - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- ACHS baseball denied 4th state championship in D4 finals - The Advocate - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Why history still matters in heaven - America: The Jesuit Review - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- 7th Sunday of Easter (Sunday after Ascension Day) - Church Times - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- New Orleans Opera Association presents Jobs Off the Stage career ... - Weekly Citizen - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Our Lady of the Lake announces Dr. Chris Trevino as VP, Physician ... - Weekly Citizen - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Ascension Thursday: Camping rules in place ahead of Fatima ... - RTL Today - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- TWO ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH PRAIRIEVILLE HOUSE ... - L'Observateur - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- They Watch Us From The Moon - Cosmic Chronicles: Act 1, The ... - All About The Rock - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Book Review: Ascension, by Nicholas Binge - The New York Times - April 25th, 2023 [April 25th, 2023]
- A new mascot is storming into Ascension Parish. Meet the Prairieville High Hurricanes - The Advocate - April 25th, 2023 [April 25th, 2023]
- Immortal Ascension #1 in Fairsquare's July 2023 Solicits - Bleeding Cool News - April 25th, 2023 [April 25th, 2023]
- Dr Devon Hoover Obituary: Ascension Michigan Neurosurgeon Shot To Death - PKBnews.in - April 25th, 2023 [April 25th, 2023]
- Nurses spotlight hypocrisy of Ascension at gala event - National Nurses United - April 25th, 2023 [April 25th, 2023]
- Ascension Public Schools honors Support Personnel of the Year for ... - Weekly Citizen - April 25th, 2023 [April 25th, 2023]
- Around Ascension for April 26, 2023 - The Advocate - April 25th, 2023 [April 25th, 2023]
- At the library. Ascension Library offers variety of programming for ... - The Advocate - April 25th, 2023 [April 25th, 2023]