SLIDELL, La. - Police say Raymond Winzy he has had multiple inappropriate run-ins with students at Slidell High School while teaching and coaching girls' basketball.
Chief Randy Smith said Winzy would have casual conversations with the students and eventually “groom” them for escalating sexual encounters that started with texts, sometimes advanced to inappropriate videos and photos and later sex.
"It is a term used to describe a method used by pedophiles to convince their victims to trust them."
Police say a week long investigation led to them to searching Winzy's home, electronics, and classroom.
They found multiple naked pictures and videos of students. There were also an alarming number of social media post and text messages. Smith said in several instances Winzy would have sex with a student in his classroom in exchange for better grades.
"It's bad enough when someone takes advantage of a child but it is 10 times worse when it is someone in a position of trust and in this case a teacher," said Smith.
Winzy had been working at the school since July. Before then he coached at Franklinton, First Baptist Christian and more recently Hahnville.
The school system doesn't comment on personnel issues but police said they believe there are more victims at the school and possibly at schools where Winzy previously taught.
St Tammany Parish school superintendent Trey Folse said the school is offering staff support to the students but he is still shocked by what happened.
"It is very disturbing for a teacher, especially if the allegations are true. It is disturbing. It is upsetting to the Slidell high family and the community as well."
The high school sent a letter to parents stating safety is their top concern.
Chief Smith said additional charges may follow.
Anyone with further information or other victims should call Detective Walden or Detective Bertucci at 985-646-4347.