Shreveport Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Child Molestation
Mark Perez received a 25-year prison sentence for the abuse of an 8-year-old child.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Sex Crimes
District Judge Donald E. Hathaway Jr. sentenced 40-year-old Mark Perez to 25 years in prison for molesting a minor. The sentence carries no possibility of parole, probation, or suspension.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal process triggered after a victim reported abuse to her mother, who then notified local law enforcement. The outcome removes a dangerous offender from the community while upholding state standards for juvenile protection.
Mark Perez is now classified as a Tier 2 sex offender following his sentencing. The case was resolved after he pleaded guilty to the charges on September 11, 2026.
The players
Mark Perez
The 40-year-old defendant was found guilty of molestation and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Donald E. Hathaway Jr.
The District Judge presided over the case and delivered the sentence in the Shreveport courtroom.
Gingerbread House
This Shreveport facility specializes in providing forensic interview services for child abuse investigations.
The details
The abuse occurred in 2023, targeting an 8-year-old victim on multiple occasions. Following the final incident, the victim disclosed the abuse, leading to an investigation and a formal interview at the Gingerbread House in Shreveport.
Timeline
The abuse of the victim occurred during 2023.
Mark Perez pleaded guilty to the molestation charges on September 11, 2026.
The 25-year prison sentence was handed down on September 21, 2026.
Legal Context
The sentence follows a pattern set by strict Louisiana mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines for sex crimes. These regulations prioritize long-term incarceration and public registry requirements for offenders who target minors.
The sentencing ensures the removal of a convicted offender from the Shreveport community, enhancing local safety for families. Residents can monitor the status of registered offenders through state databases as required by the Tier 2 designation.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of timely reporting when a child discloses information regarding abuse. Parents in the area are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local resources like the Gingerbread House that assist in child victim interviews.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings regarding child safety, visit the Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTBS.
