TANGIPAHOA PARISH, La. — A former Tangipahoa Parish teacher has been arrested on rape and other charges following an investigation into sexual misconduct with a former student, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday.
Morgan Freche, 33, of Loranger, is formally facing the following counts: Third-degree rape, carnal knowledge of a juvenile and oral sexual battery.
The investigation began after reports that the unnamed student had fathered the ex-teacher's child. His attorney said they are awaiting DNA evidence to determine if the child is the teen's.
Sheriff Daniel Edwards said that Freche turned herself in to detectives Tuesday morning. Edwards said the allegations of misconduct go back approximately two years.
Last week the Tangipahoa Parish School District issued a statement saying that they are aware of the allegations involving a former employee but that it involves "confidential student and personnel issues." The district said it would have no further comment."
George Tucker, the teen's attorney, said the family is considering suing the school as he says several people there knew of the relationship but the family had to find out indirectly.
"He found out by way of a family member of the superintendent ," said Tucker. "The mother was informed by two teachers, yet no police involved."
Last week the sheriff's office said it was involved in an investigation but due to the nature of the alleged incident, couldn't comment specifically on the case.
"While we cannot share specific details regarding the investigation, we can confirm that the allegations were dealt with promptly, and the investigation process has been rigorous and thorough," said Edwards. "This type of investigation is time-consuming and is being handled with great care. Under no circumstances will we be rushed for closure."
Edwards said that the teacher implicated in the investigation had recently resigned.
Tangipahoa School Superintendent Melissa Stilley said Tuesday, "Although personnel and student matters are confidential and the specifics of such matters may not be discussed, student safety and the proper conduct of school district employees are a priority. Neither the Board nor this office will tolerate employee behavior which crosses the line in areas such as the proper professional relationships between educators and their students."