Ex-Natchitoches Parish teacher accused of behaving indecently with a student

NATCHITOCHES PARISH, La. (KSLA) — A former Natchitoches Parish schoolteacher is accused of sending inappropriate messages to a student by phone and on social media. Marques D. Washington, 32, of Natchitoches, was arrested Tuesday (June 25) and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on one count of indecent behavior with a juvenile. His arrest stems from an ongoing investigation the Sheriff’s Office began when patrol deputies responded to a complaint filed June 15. At one point, detectives briefed the Natchitoches Parish schools superintendent on their investigation. Upon learning of the allegations, the teacher was immediately terminated. Detectives, with the help of the NPSO High-Tech Crime Unit, began interviewing people and examining forensic evidence over the past week. That led to a warrant being issued for Washington’s arrest. He was arrested when he reported to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau for an interview. Detectives say no further information will be released at this time due to the ongoing sensitive investigation. The case will be turned over to the Natchitoches district attorney’s office for review. “Our office will aggressively investigate any allegations of inappropriate conduct or abuse of children in Natchitoches Parish,” Sheriff Stuart Wright said. “We extend our appreciation to the Natchitoches Parish School Board for their full cooperation in this investigation. ”Authorities urge anyone with any information about this case or any inappropriate behavior or abuse of children in Natchitoches Parish to call the Sheriff’s Office at (318) 357-7851.