Two teenage girls in Louisiana were charged after authorities allege they tried to frame their high school teacher as a sexual predator who sent inappropriate messages to a student.
On Dec. 18, 2024, detectives launched an investigation into a report regarding a male teacher at Central Lafourche High School in Raceland, La., located about 45 miles southwest of New Orleans, who was believed to have been exchanging messages with a 16-year-old female student, according to a statement from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The student, along with her 15-year-old friend, were believed to have been talking to the teacher through an online instant messaging platform, authorities said. However, after searching the pair’s phones, investigators learned that the inappropriate messages had been fabricated. The sheriff’s office did not share details about the messages.
Authorities added that the online accounts were also fake and that the two girls, whose identities were not revealed, had sent screenshots to others “in an effort to frame the teacher for sending inappropriate messages.”
“The investigation proved the teacher had not sent any messages or photos to the girls and, in fact, had no involvement,” the sheriff’s office said. “The teacher was actually proven to be the crime victim and has been cleared of all allegations. One of the two students also admitted to their involvement in the crime.”
The girls were arrested on Jan. 6 and have been charged with one count each of false swearing for the purpose of violating public health or safety, cyberstalking and online impersonation.
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Authorities said the teenagers were placed on electronic monitoring and released to the custody of their parents. It’s unclear if they have entered pleas or retained attorneys.
Superintendent Jarod Martin said the school is “shocked and appalled to learn of the actions of two of our students.”
“The allegations against one of our teachers were false and malicious, and we appreciate the efficiency of investigators in uncovering the source of these messages,” he said in the sheriff’s office’s statement.
“Such attacks on a teacher’s credibility and reputation are concerning and can inhibit their ability to effectively educate our children. We are committed to investigating all allegations of misconduct in order to provide a safe environment conducive to learning and working for all of our students and staff.”
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