Sentencing for Michael Ross McGrath was on February 12, 2026, after McGrath entered a plea of Guilty to one count of indecent behavior with a juvenile.

McGrath was arrested by the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office on February 26, 2024, on seven counts of molestation of a juvenile.

The Honorable Luke Mitchell sentenced McGrath to 7 years in DOC at hard labor-suspended with 3 years supervised probation.

The conditions of his probation are: pay a $5,000 fine and court costs, complete 32 hours of court-approved community service, register as a sex offender, comply with the law, and pay a monthly $50 supervision fee.

McGrath formerly served as a minister to children and students in Coushatta at First Baptist Church Coushatta, and Open Door Fellowship, and later as Associate Pastor of Families and College Students at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches.

McGrath may be around his biological family and attend his children’s school activities, subject to the superintendent’s permission.