ALEXANDRIA, La. (UrbanCast: 8/22/2026) — Rapides Parish Schools has suspended a coach and bus operator arrested following an undercover law enforcement operation.
Louisiana State Police identified the man as 37-year-old Esaw Owens III of Alexandria.
LSP’s Special Victims Unit conducted the operation Friday, August 21, with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and FBI.
Investigators said undercover officers communicated with Owens about sexual acts in exchange for money.
Rapides Parish booking records list charges of attempted trafficking of children for sexual purposes and purchase of commercial sexual activity.
Owens was booked Friday night. His total bond is $100,000, with $50,000 set on each charge.
Rapides Parish Schools confirmed Saturday that Owens worked as a bus operator and CECP coach in the Ward 10 community.
The district said it is working with law enforcement and will follow board policy and state law.
School officials said they have received no evidence suggesting Owens conducted unlawful activity with students or while working.
However, the district confirmed Owens will be suspended pending the investigation.
State police said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or administrative action.
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