DESOTO PARISH — A former substitute teacher has been arrested following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct involving juveniles, according to the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrested Michelle Thomas, 37, of Logansport, at approximately 1:30 p.m. on July 31 following an investigation that began after the DeSoto Parish School Board reported information to the Sheriff’s Office.
According to investigators, evidence gathered during the investigation resulted in an arrest warrant charging Thomas with:
Four counts of Prohibited Sexual Conduct Between a Teacher and a Student
Two counts of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile
One count of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile (Grooming)
The DeSoto Parish School Board has confirmed that Thomas is no longer serving as a substitute teacher within the school system.
Due to the sensitive nature of the case and to protect the privacy of the victims, the Sheriff’s Office said no additional information will be released at this time.
Investigators also noted that cases of this nature may involve additional victims and are asking anyone who may have information related to this investigation to contact the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Mansfield Main Office at (318) 872-3956 and request to speak with an investigator. Authorities said any information provided, regardless of the caller’s age, will be handled confidentially.
The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office also thanked the DeSoto Parish School Board for its prompt reporting of the allegations and its cooperation throughout the investigation, stating that the district’s commitment to student safety played an important role in the case.
An arrest indicates that law enforcement believes probable cause exists that a crime was committed. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.