RAPIDES PARISH, La. (9/21/2026) — Rapides Parish sheriff’s detectives have arrested a 37-year-old Pineville man following a months-long investigation involving juveniles.
The investigation began in St. Mary Parish on July 17, 2025. Authorities received a complaint alleging criminal sexual conduct involving juveniles.
The initial report identified Daniel Lewis McElwee, 37, as the suspect. Investigators said he was accused of inappropriate touching involving two juveniles.
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office scheduled forensic interviews with the juveniles. During the investigation, authorities learned the alleged incidents occurred in Rapides Parish.
As a result, St. Mary Parish authorities contacted the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. RPSO’s Criminal Investigations Division then took over the case.
Investigators continued gathering information about the allegations. RPSO said detectives determined McElwee allegedly sexually assaulted two juveniles over several years.
Detectives also allege McElwee physically assaulted another juvenile during that period.
After completing their investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for McElwee. A judge signed the warrant on Dec. 8, 2025.
The warrant charged McElwee with two felony counts of cruelty to juveniles. It also included two felony counts of molestation of juveniles.
However, detectives could not immediately locate him. RPSO said investigators learned McElwee had left Rapides Parish and relocated somewhere in Arkansas.
Law enforcement made several attempts to find him, according to RPSO.
The investigation later expanded across state lines.
On Aug. 19, 2026, Ashley County sheriff’s detectives in Arkansas obtained a separate arrest warrant for McElwee. That warrant accused him of sexual solicitation of a child.
During their investigation, Arkansas authorities discovered the outstanding Rapides Parish warrants.
By then, authorities said McElwee had returned to Rapides Parish.
RPSO deputies and officers assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Offenders Task Force began searching for him.
Authorities located and arrested McElwee on Sept. 16. RPSO said officers took him into custody without incident.
The operation included the U.S. Marshals task force and the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement Unit. Detectives assigned to the original investigation also participated.
Authorities booked McElwee into the Rapides Parish Detention Center.
He faces two felony counts of cruelty to juveniles and two felony counts of molestation of juveniles. He also faces a Louisiana fugitive charge connected to the Arkansas warrant.
RPSO said McElwee remained jailed when the agency issued its release. His bond was set at $800,000.
He also has a detainer pending extradition to Ashley County, Arkansas.
RPSO thanked the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Offenders Task Force and Ashley County Sheriff’s Office for assisting with the case.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative action.
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