Custodian arrested for ‘inappropriate interactions’ with Dutchtown High student, APSO says

ASCENSION PARISH — A contractor working at Dutchtown High School had “inappropriate interactions” with a student, Dutchtown High School principal Dr. Matthew Monceaux told parents in an email Monday.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office says that Dequan Bellock, 23, is charged with felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. He’s been booked into the Ascension Parish jail.

Investigators say that Bellock was a contracted custodian and confessed to exchanging lewd pictures and texts with a 16-year-old female student for several weeks. He also admitted to detectives that he had sex with the teen, APSO said.

The school says that they contacted law enforcement after learning of the incident and began an internal investigation.

“I imagine you may have questions, but please understand there are limits to the information we can share as this is a law enforcement matter,” Monceaux said in his letter. “This is absolutely unacceptable and does not reflect the values of the Dutchtown High School community,” Monceaux said.

Letter to Parents

Dear Dutchtown High Parents and Guardians,

It was reported to us that there may have been inappropriate interactions between a contractor working on our campus and a student. We immediately contacted law enforcement, as required, and began an internal investigation at the school and district levels.

Following their investigation, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested the contractor and charged him with carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. This is absolutely unacceptable and does not reflect the values of the Dutchtown High School community.

We are committed to the safety of our students and expect all those who work on our campus to adhere to the highest ethical practices and conduct. I want to assure you that this individual will not be allowed on any district campuses, and the district is carefully assessing all safety protocols in place for contractors at our schools.

I imagine you may have questions, but please understand there are limits to the information we can share as this is a law enforcement matter. I do want to thank those who reported the incident and the swift action of the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Only by working as a school community can we maintain the level of safety that we want for our children and that they certainly deserve at Dutchtown High School.

Sincerely,

Dr. Matthew Monceaux, Principal
Dutchtown High School