A former elementary school teacher in Louisiana faces a sprawling set of criminal accusations after investigators say inappropriate relationships with students were discovered, and a second woman has been arrested as part of the inquiry. Authorities allege multiple victims and a long list of charges that were expanded after the initial arrest, and state and federal agencies are involved in an ongoing probe. The case has drawn attention because of the severe charges, potential penalties under Louisiana law, and the involvement of two adults outside the classroom.
The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office opened its investigation late in January after a tip about a teacher’s conduct with a former student, and investigators quickly widened their focus. Officials identified 31-year-old Marisa Noel as a subject and began gathering evidence that law enforcement says linked her to more than one alleged victim. Deputies later moved to arrest Noel once probable cause had been established.
Noel was taken into custody and booked into the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center in mid-April, and the charges multiplied as investigators uncovered additional victims. What began as counts of indecent behavior with juveniles and computer-aided solicitation swelled when agents found evidence suggesting involvement with another child. When that second victim was identified, authorities added more felony counts to the case.
According to the complaint filed by prosecutors, the expanded list now includes multiple counts of indecent behavior with juveniles, additional counts of computer-aided solicitation, charges related to child sexual abuse materials, a count of first-degree rape, and an unlawful communications charge. Those allegations cover a range of conduct that, if proven, spans both physical and digital exploitation. Lawmakers and prosecutors treat these categories seriously because they reflect repeated exploitation across different mediums.
Louisiana statutes carry heavy penalties for first-degree rape, including life behind bars without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, and prosecutors may seek the most severe punishments in cases involving very young victims. State law also allows a district attorney to pursue the death penalty when an identified victim is younger than 13 years old in certain circumstances. The investigative agencies have stated that at least one alleged victim in this matter is under 13, though ages were not fully disclosed by police.
Police confirmed that Noel is no longer employed at the elementary school named in the original tip. School and district officials have been contacted by investigators as part of the probe, and the St. Martin Parish school system is listed among the institutions involved in review and response. Community members have expressed alarm, and investigators say they are pursuing leads methodically to protect any additional victims.
As the inquiry progressed, authorities arrested a second woman from the Breaux Bridge area, who is accused of actions tied to the broader investigation rather than conduct as a school staff member. Cortney Burleigh, 37, faces felony counts that include cruelty to juveniles, obstruction of justice, and indecent behavior with juveniles as an accessory after the fact, according to charging documents shared by law enforcement. Officials say Burleigh is not a teacher at the school but was arrested in connection with the same ongoing joint investigation.
Multiple agencies are coordinating the case, including the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations, reflecting the complex nature of allegations that cross digital and physical boundaries. Investigators have emphasized they will continue following leads and working with partners across jurisdictions to ensure any exploitation uncovered is fully addressed. The collaboration is meant to pool resources and expertise for victim interviews, evidence collection, and prosecutorial support.
Attorney General Liz Murrill framed the investigation as part of a statewide effort to hold perpetrators accountable and protect children. She stated, “We will continue to support our partners across the state and bring to justice anyone who exploits or sexually abuses the children of Louisiana.” Her office is participating in coordination and oversight as prosecutors weigh charges and potential enhancements under state law.
Investigators cautioned the public that the case remains active and that filing of charges reflects allegations, not convictions, which will be determined in court. Law enforcement officials continue to seek information and encourage anyone with relevant tips to contact investigators rather than speculate publicly. The probe is ongoing and will proceed through the legal process as authorities develop further evidence and prepare for potential prosecution.
