A woman has been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into a fifth grade teacher accused of 25 child sex crimes – including first degree rape.
Marisa Noel, who was already in custody over her disturbing behavior with a student, was hit with a slew of more serious charges last Wednesday after cops said “an additional victim was identified.”
Cortney Burleigh, 37, was arrested the following day on charges involving that crime, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced.
Burleigh, who didn’t work at the school where Noel was previously employed, was arrested on three felonies as part of a probe involving the sexual abuse of a child under 13 – including indecent behavior with juveniles as an accessory after the fact.
She has also been charged with cruelty to juveniles – an offense which carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years in Louisiana – as well as obstruction of justice.
Murrill confirmed the investigation “is still very ongoing.”
“We will continue to support our partners across the state and bring to justice anyone who exploits or sexually abuses the children of Louisiana,” she said.
Noel was first arrested last Monday following a two month probe into her behavior with a fifth-grader while teaching at Teche Elementary School in Breaux Bridge.
Her initial charges with the first alleged victim were four counts of indecent behavior with juveniles and the same number for using a computer to solicit a minor.
But, the second set of charges included 10 counts of indecent behavior with juveniles and two counts of having child sexual abuse material — on top of the rape allegation.
She was also accused of unlawful communications and harassment and using a computer to solicit a minor.
Noel remains in custody at the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center.
