An elementary school teacher and coach in Louisiana was arrested after he was accused of being involved in sex crimes that involved a minor.
Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Layrisson announced in a statement via Facebook that Trey Sparks was arrested after a complaint was filed regarding messages that were allegedly exchanged between him and a minor.
Sparks, 30, was employed as a teacher at D.C Reeves Elementary School and also worked as a basketball coach at the Ponchatoula Junior High School at the time the alleged crime took place.
Layrisson said that after detectives received the complaint about Sparks, they launched an investigation into the matter and found numerous inappropriate materials on his phone that involved juveniles.
Sparks was then arrested on Tuesday, October 6, and has been charged with four counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and one count of prohibited sexual conduct between an educator and student. He was then booked into Tangipahoa Parish Jail.
The Ponchatoula Police Department is working with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office as they continue the investigation. It is possible that Sparks will be hit with more charges depending on what authorities find.
It is not currently clear how Sparks met the alleged victims or how long they were talking. However, Layrisson said that no current students at D.C Reeves Elementary School or Ponchatoula Junior High School are actively involved in the investigation.
Following his arrest, the Tangipahoa Parish School District confirmed that Sparks was placed on leave pending the results of the investigation.
“The employee has been placed on unpaid leave pending the outcome of the charges. The safety and wellbeing of our students remain a top priority,” the school said in a statement, according to WDSU. “We will continue to work in collaboration with law enforcement to support their work and help ensure the safety and security of our students.”
Sparks began working in the district on February 18, 2021, according to the district.
Authorities have asked that anyone with information regarding the investigation contact the Ponchatoula Police Department at 985-386-6548.
It is not currently clear if Sparks has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following his arrest.
After the police department shared the statement, several social media users took to the comments section to react to his arrest. “Not surprised,” one person wrote, and another chimed in, “Nooooooo, Trey! I know this isn’t you. You were always such a respectful employee with a heart of gold. I’m honestly so confused about what happened. The devil is truly busy. I don’t know what’s happening, I’m praying for those babies, my GOD.”
Parents, teachers, and guardians interested in learning more about protecting children from exploitation can find useful tools and information at Know2Protect.
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