Alexandria, La. (UrbanCast: 8/22/2026) – An Alexandria man employed by the Rapides Parish School Board has been arrested following an undercover law enforcement operation.
Louisiana State Police announced the arrest Saturday, August 22.
According to LSP, its Special Victims Unit conducted an undercover chat operation on Friday, August 21.
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and FBI worked with state police during the investigation.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 37-year-old Esaw Owens III of Alexandria.
Investigators said undercover officers communicated with Owens about sexual acts in exchange for money.
Following the operation, authorities arrested Owens on two charges.
He faces human trafficking of children for sexual purposes and purchase of commercial sexual activity.
State police also identified Owens as a Rapides Parish School Board employee. According to LSP, he works as a coach and bus driver.
Authorities transported Owens to the Rapides Parish Correctional Facility, where he was processed on the charges.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. State police said no additional information was available at the time of the release.
UrbanCast has contacted Rapides Parish Schools Superintendent Jeff Powell seeking additional information.
We requested a public statement from the district and information about Owens’ employment history.
UrbanCast also asked for his start date, current employment status or termination date, if applicable, and schools where he served.
We will update this story when the district responds or additional information becomes available.
All charges are allegations. Owens is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Previous Article: Louisiana State Police Investigate Fatal Shooting After Multi-Agency Pursuit in LaSalle Parish
