Shreveport dentist admits to violent domestic attack

SHREVEPORT, La. -- A local dentist about to stand trial in Caddo District Court Monday instead pleaded guilty as charged to numerous felony domestic violence crimes.

 

The District Attorney’s office announced ready for trial and was prepared to start selecting jurors in District Judge Chris Victory's court when John Allen Russ, 39, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty as charged to four felony domestic abuse charges.

 

Russ pleaded guilty to one count of domestic abuse battery with serious bodily injury, punishable by up to eight years in prison; one count of domestic abuse battery by strangulation, punishable by up to three years in prison; and two counts of domestic abuse battery with child endangerment, each punishable by up to three years in prison. 

 

"So often, victims of domestic violence are not able to come forward," said Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart Sr., praising the victim's courage in coming forward and speaking out. "We recognize how difficult that decision can be, and we are grateful to this victim for her strength throughout this prosecution. Our Special Victims Unit was created for cases just like this. We’re here to walk alongside victims, help them handle a difficult process, and pursue justice with compassion, professionalism, and determination.”

 

Following the guilty pleas, Victory ordered a pre-sentence investigation and remanded Russ into custody pending sentencing. A sentencing hearing has been set for Oct. 5.

 

The charges stemmed from a violent domestic attack that occurred early May 4, 2024, at a Shreveport home Russ and his victim shared. Russ became enraged and attacked the woman. He pulled her by her feet from the bed, pinned her to the floor and then forced her against a bedroom door while strangling her.

 

Russ held her by the neck with such force she was lifted completely off the ground, unable to breathe. She believed she was going to die. Somehow, she broke free, but Russ grabbed her by the head and slammed her into a dresser, injuring her forehead. She lost consciousness and awakened on the floor bleeding.

 

Two children, both under age 13, were inside the home at the time, leading to the domestic abuse battery with child endangerment charges.

 

Police investigating the incident learned that Russ had committed other acts of violence against the victim that she had been too afraid to report.

 

The sentencing hearing will help the court determine the appropriate sentences, which if maximums are imposed and terms run consecutively could be as many as 17 years.

 

Prosecution was handled by the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office's Special Victims Unit, with Assistant District Attorneys Britney A. Green and Ron Christopher Stamps representing the state. Russ was defended by J. Dhu Thompson.