A former art teacher was sentenced to 40 years in prison today after being convicted in May of molestation of a juvenile and other sex-related crimes.
Ralph Cheramie Jr., a former art teacher in the Lafourche Parish School District was sentenced on Thursday morning after being convicted of the crimes during a 3-day trial in May.
The Honorable Christopher Boudreaux handed down the following sentences:
-40 years for molestation of a juvenile
-40 years for sexual battery when the victim is under 13
-10 years for indecent behavior with a juvenile under 13.
Cheramie sexually abused the victim while teaching at a middle school in the area in 2009. The former student reported the incident to school administrators at the time, but an internal investigation did not amount to action and law enforcement was not involved at the time.
But the victim is now an adult and came forward again in recent years, reporting the incident directly to LPSO. During the trial, the testimony of another victim of Cheramie’s abuse from years past was crucial in showing Cheramie’s pattern and method of grooming young students for sexual purposes.
Chief of Trials Jason Chatagnier prosecuted the case alongside Assistant District Attorney Stephen Schieffler. He emphasized the betrayal of trust by Cheramie who violated the fundamental responsibility of teachers which is to keep students safe.
“When we, as parents, send our children to school, we do so with the belief that those we entrust with their care will keep them safe,” said Chatagnier. “The defendant violated that trust and betrayed educators, parents and most of all – the victims.”
Cheramie will begin his sentences with the Louisiana Department of Corrections. The sentences will all be served concurrently.
Additional charges against Cheramie are pending in connection with another victim.
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