Steven Harden Sentenced to an Additional 25 Years for Child Pornography and Animal Abuse

District Attorney Collin Sims reports that on March 23, 2026, Steven Harden, age 38 and of Pearl River, Louisiana, was sentenced to 25 years of hard labor without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence. The sentencing follows Harden’s guilty plea to multiple charges involving the possession of child pornography and the sexual abuse of animals.

The sentence, handed down by the Honorable Judge Alan A. Zaunbrecher, is to be served in addition to the 20-year prison term Harden is currently serving for a 2024 conviction involving molestation of a juvenile and computer-aided solicitation.

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Harden pleaded guilty as charged to possession of pornography involving juveniles under the age of thirteen, possession of pornography involving juveniles, and three counts of Sexual Abuse of an Animal.

Assistant District Attorney Iain Dover prosecuted the case. In addition to the prison time, Judge Zaunbrecher ordered lifetime sex offender registration and issued two permanent protective orders.

The sentencing hearing featured harrowing testimony from survivors. One victim, who was a child when the abuse began, told the court: "You assaulted me when I was a child, and you were a grown man. For a long time, I felt powerless. Today the truth won, and today I take my power back.”

Another victim addressed the lifelong impact of Harden’s actions, stating, "He has ruined my childhood. You made my life miserable. Go rot in hell, you don't deserve sympathy or empathy. You're a straight monster!"

A guardian of one of the victims also testified to the emotional toll on the family, telling Harden, "You have caused me so much pain and suffering. A monster like you should never see the light of day again."

"The details of this case are deeply disturbing, involving the exploitation of children and the abuse of defenseless animals," DA Sims said. "With this additional 25-year sentence, our office has ensured that a dangerous, habitual offender remains behind bars for a very long time. We remain committed to seeking justice for survivors and ensuring they have a voice in our courtroom."