The administration of a private school in Grand Coteau professed surprise when a member of its administration was arrested and charged with a number of felonies arising out of his alleged efforts to make and distribute sexual images of children. The man served as both the school’s athletic director and basketball coach. He was charged with attempted production of sexual abuse images and videos of children, indecent behavior with a juvenile and computer-aided solicitation of a minor.
According to the Louisiana Attorney General’s office, the investigation was begun by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Louisiana law enforcement agencies became involved when the Texas DPS asked for assistance from the Cyber Crime Unit of the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. All in all, four law enforcement agencies participated in the investigation: the Cyber Crime Unit, the Texas DPS, Homeland Security and the St. Landry Sheriff’s Office.
No details of the alleged criminal conduct were released by any of these agencies. The school denied knowledge of the investigation until after the arrest occurred. It said that it is cutting all contacts with the suspect and that it would not be offering any further comment on the matter.
Sex crimes involving minors are very serious offenses. They are especially serious because even if the defendant is acquitted, the charges can stick with a person for the rest of his or her life. The services of a criminal attorney who is experienced in handling such cases can therefore be essential in mounting an effective defense and in taking all steps necessary to protect the reputation of the accused.
Source: WAFB-TV, “Athletic director of Louisiana private school accused of child sex crimes,”WAFB Staff, Dec. 20, 2017