Louisiana elementary school teacher allegedly raped her 10-year-old student

A 34-year-old Louisiana teacher is accused of raping her 10-year-old student.

A statement from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office confirms charges against Deidre Smith of Sulphur, a teacher at Lake Charles Charter Academy in Lake Charles.

According to the statement, police received a tip from a school administrator about the teacher’s alleged behavior. Investigators learned that Smith and the boy allegedly had sexual intercourse in 2018.

Smith was arrested Tuesday and is charged with first-degree rape and indecent conduct with a minor.

Smith was released from custody on $50,000 bail.

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Smith was not fired from her position.

In a statement to KPLC, Judge Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux, president of Lake Charles Charter Academy, said the school takes the allegations seriously.

“The allegation is being investigated,” the statement said. “The allegation has not been confirmed to be true. If confirmed, the teacher faces dismissal. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority.”

“The incident was an isolated off-campus incident involving only one student,” the statement continued. “After the allegation was reported, the school took immediate steps to contact authorities, who are now conducting the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and ongoing.”