Pineville man arrested for sexual misconduct with juvenile

PINEVILLE, La. (WNTZ) — A Pineville man was arrested earlier this month following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a juvenile, according to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On April 22, 2025, patrol deputies assigned to the Tioga Substation responded to a walk-in complaint reporting possible criminal sexual conduct with a juvenile. Sheriff’s detectives began an investigation and identified the suspect as Michael Drew Smith, 43, of Pineville.

As part of the investigation, a forensic interview was conducted with the juvenile victim through the Children’s Advocacy Center. Based on the findings of that interview and supporting evidence, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Smith.

Smith was taken into custody without incident on May 7 and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center. He was charged with two counts of felony sexual battery, one count of misdemeanor sexual battery, one count of cruelty to juveniles, and one count of indecent behavior with juveniles. Bond was set at $75,000. Smith was released on bond May 9.

Detectives say the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are possible. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Matt Dauzat at the Tioga Substation’s Criminal Investigation Division at 318-641-6005.

Arrestee	Charges
Michael Drew Smith, 43, of Pineville, LA	Two counts of Sexual Battery (felony) One count of Sexual Battery (misdemeanor) One count of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles (felony) One count of Cruelty to Juveniles (felony)

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative proceeding.