NEW ORLEANS — The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, alongside the New Orleans Police Department and Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans, is asking for the public’s help in an ongoing investigation involving Joshua Wexler.
Wexler was recently arrested and booked on charges of first-degree rape, molestation of a juvenile, and two counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile. He has lived in both New Orleans and New York and has worked as a piano instructor. Investigators have also developed information indicating he taught jiu-jitsu.
Law enforcement has received reports of sexual abuse involving children as young as four years old, including both male and female victims. Some reports indicate that the alleged abuse occurred during lessons, at times when a parent or guardian may have been nearby but unable to see what was happening.
This case remains under investigation, and Wexler has not been convicted of these charges.
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“This is not about discussing prosecution strategy,” said Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams. “This is about making sure that anyone who may have been harmed, or anyone who has information, knows that they are not alone and that their voice matters.”
Officials emphasized that in cases involving crimes against children, it is common for perpetrators to place themselves in positions of trust and access. These cases often involve multiple victims over extended periods of time, and it is not unusual for abuse to go unreported or to be disclosed years later.
“When someone is in a position of authority or trust, it can be incredibly difficult for a child to understand what is happening, let alone speak about it,” Williams said. “We want survivors to hear this clearly: if this happened to you, or to someone you know, we are here for you.”
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A Call for Survivors and Witnesses to Come Forward
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“This is a difficult case because it involves the sexual abuse of very young children,” said SAKI Deputy Chief Penny Kissinger, lead prosecutor on the case. “Joshua Wexler used positions of trust to gain access to children and exploit that trust in the most harmful way. We have already heard from several young victims, but we believe there may be others who have not yet come forward.
To any child or survivor who may be listening: you are not alone, and you are not to blame for what was done to you. You will be treated with compassion and respect, and your safety will be a priority. It is never too late to come forward.”
The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office and its partners stressed that every piece of information matters, no matter how small or how much time has passed.
“Even the smallest detail can make a difference,” Williams added. “We have seen time and time again that one call, one memory, one conversation can help move an investigation forward and bring accountability.”
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Anonymous Reporting Options Available
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“We want survivors and families to know that they have options and they have support,” said Darlene Cusanza, CEO of Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans. “If there is fear about coming forward, Crime Stoppers provides a way to share information anonymously. We protect our tipsters, and we work closely with investigators to ensure that information is handled safely and responsibly.
Whether something happened recently or years ago, your story matters. Come forward in the way that feels safest to you. We are here to help.”
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Anyone with information related to Joshua Wexler is urged to contact the New Orleans Police Department’s Sex Crimes Unit at (504) 658-5523.
Individuals may also submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans at (504) 822-1111, online at www.crimestoppersgno.org, or through the Crime Stoppers app.
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