Natchitoches, LA (6/27/2024) – A former Natchitoches Parish school teacher has been arrested following an investigation into allegations of indecent behavior with a student, according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright. The NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau and High-Tech Crime Unit are leading the investigation.
The investigation commenced on Saturday, June 15, 2024, after deputies from the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau responded to a complaint regarding a school teacher allegedly sending inappropriate messages to a juvenile student via phone and social media platforms. Deputies gathered evidence and information from the complainant for an offense report, which was subsequently handed over to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau.
Detectives informed the Superintendent of the Natchitoches Parish School Board about the investigation. Upon learning of the allegations, the teacher was immediately terminated. Over the past week, detectives, with the assistance of the NPSO High-Tech Crime Unit, conducted interviews and examined forensic evidence.
As the investigation progressed, detectives obtained sufficient evidence and probable cause to secure a criminal arrest warrant for Marques D. Washington, 32, of Natchitoches, LA, signed by a 10th Judicial District Court Judge. On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, Washington reported to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau for an interview and was subsequently arrested, transported, and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on one count of indecent behavior with a juvenile. He remains in custody awaiting bond.
Detectives have stated that no further information will be released at this time due to the ongoing sensitive nature of the investigation.
Sheriff Stuart Wright emphasized, “Our office will aggressively investigate any allegations of inappropriate conduct or abuse of children in Natchitoches Parish. We extend our appreciation to the Natchitoches Parish School Board for their full cooperation in this investigation.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident or any other inappropriate behavior or abuse of children in Natchitoches Parish is urged to contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-357-7851.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law or through administrative process.
The case will be forwarded to the Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office for review.
Source: NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau
318-357-7830
