Natchitoches, Louisiana — The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested Richard Black, a 68-year-old white male from Natchitoches, on twenty felony counts of Unlawful Presence of a Sex Offender, following a lengthy investigation into repeated violations at a local public library.
On August 4, 2025, at approximately 10:00 a.m., officers were contacted by staff at the Natchitoches Parish Library who reported that Richard Black, a Tier 3 Sex Offender, had entered the library and begun using a computer in the public lab area. Due to his registered sex offender status, library staff promptly requested that Black leave the premises. Officers responded to the scene, and an investigation was launched.
Through the efforts of the Natchitoches Police Department’s Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions, it was determined that Richard Black had entered the library on at least twenty separate occasions over the past two years, violating state law each time.
Under Louisiana law, a sex offender who has been convicted of certain offenses is prohibited from entering or remaining on the property of a public library or loitering within 1,000 feet of such a facility. This restriction falls under the state’s Unlawful Presence of a Sex Offender statute and is considered a felony offense. Violators face penalties of up to one year imprisonment, a $1,000 fine, or both for each violation.
Richard Black was arrested without incident, though due to a reported medical condition, he was subsequently transported to a hospital in Shreveport for treatment. His legal case will proceed through the Natchitoches Parish judicial system upon his medical clearance.
The Natchitoches Police Department is continuing to investigate the matter and reminds the public that vigilance is critical to maintaining community safety.
Reporting Suspicious Activity or Additional Information:
- If you have information regarding this case or observed similar behavior, please contact Detective Abbie Baker at (318) 357-3810.
- For general inquiries or to report suspicious activity, call the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101.
Anonymous Tips:
Citizens may also report tips anonymously using the P3 Tips mobile app or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential, and callers may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest.
This arrest highlights the commitment of the Natchitoches Police Department to ensuring that sex offender restrictions are enforced in order to protect public spaces, especially those frequented by children and families.
Sergeant John Greely
Public Information Officer
Natchitoches Police Department
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