A former Metairie middle-school teacher has been charged with molesting a 13-year-old student, according to court records. The accused, identified in filings as 30-year-old Benjamin Powell, taught at T.H. Harris Middle School and is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, Feb. 23.
Powell was arrested in December and booked on a charge of indecent behavior with a juvenile, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office said. Jefferson Parish Schools said Powell is no longer employed with the district and that the system works closely with law enforcement in such cases, according to WDSU.
Court records show prosecutors with the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's office filed charges that include “molestation of a juvenile by an educator.” The filings list the victim as a 13-year-old girl, note that Powell was released on $10,000 bond in mid-December, and indicate an arraignment set for Monday, Feb. 23, according to NOLA.com.
What investigators say
Investigators say the girl confided in another staffer, who then reported the allegation to school officials, triggering a law-enforcement probe. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office account, as reported locally, alleges Powell tried to kiss the student while inappropriately touching her, according to WDSU.
Charges and penalties
If convicted, Powell faces enhanced penalties under Louisiana law aimed at educators who abuse positions of authority. Molestation of a juvenile by an educator carries a potential sentence of at least 10 years and up to 40 years in prison, while indecent behavior with juveniles can carry penalties including up to seven years depending on the circumstances. The state code also gives judges authority to issue protective orders and other safeguards for victims during proceedings, according to FindLaw.
School response and community
Jefferson Parish Schools told media it notified the Sheriff's Office after being made aware of the allegation and that there were no prior complaints about Powell on file. Officials said the district provides counseling and works with law enforcement in cases like this, according to NOLA.com.
Powell is scheduled to appear for arraignment on Monday, Feb. 23. The case will be prosecuted by the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's office and remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.
