Middle school teacher’s aid arrested for involvement in sex crimes case

A middle school teacher's aid at Galvez Middle in Ascension Parish was arrested for her alleged involvement in an ongoing investigation of a sex crimes case with the victims under the age of 13.

HEATHER FRENCH

Gonzales Police Officers arrested Heather Norwood French, 34, from her home in Prairieville in Ascension Parish on Feb. 24. 

French was arrested for two counts of each:

-Failure to report the commission of certain felonies

-Accessories after the fact

Sources tell Unfiltered with Kiran French was allegedly “shopping” in the form of school children for Douglas Decuir, a man who was indicted in Nov. 2021 for sex crimes against children.

Decuir has been indicted by a grand jury and awaiting trial in Ascension Parish for two counts of first degree rape, two counts indecent behavior with a juvenile and two counts of pornography involving juveniles.

Sources said French was allegedly taking pictures of school children at Galvez Middle and sending them to Decuir prior to his arrest in Sept. 2021. The pictures were allegedly of children with clothes on but tight chest pictures or any other pictures per his request. 

This remains an ongoing investigation and additional charges could be pending.

HEATHER FRENCH AWARDED “OUTSTANDING SUPPORT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR” 2021

French is a paraprofessional, which means she’s not a teacher but an aid for a teacher. She was not on the actual campus of Galvez Middle School. As of now, she remains employed at the school. The Ascension School System added French did undergo a background check.

In 2021, French was award “Outstanding support employee of the year.”

The principal for Galvez Middle School did issue a statement:  

Dear Galvez Middle Parents and Guardians,

We were informed that a Galvez Middle School paraprofessional was arrested last night. It is part of a Gonzales Police Department investigation that did not originate at our school. The employee is not on campus today, and we will take appropriate action in working with law enforcement on their investigation.

We understand this causes concerns from our parents and community, and we want you to know that the safety and security of our students are of the utmost importance. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have specific concerns about your child, but please be aware that we are limited in what we know and can share as it is a law enforcement investigation.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tachelle White, Principal

Galvez Middle School

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