A former Isidore Newman School teacher is now facing a stack of new felony charges that have rattled the Uptown community. Prosecutors say 49-year-old Benoit Cransac was booked Wednesday on 17 counts of video voyeurism of a child under 17 and remains jailed while investigators continue to sift through digital evidence.
The 17 new counts were filed this week, according to reporting by WVUE. Cransac was already being held at the Orleans Justice Center after his January arrest on numerous counts tied to child sexual abuse material.
In a press release, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office said agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested Cransac in January on 22 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material. The office described the case as a joint investigation involving the New Orleans Police Department, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Kenner Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
Court records show the investigation began after a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and that Google flagged files tied to an account associated with Cransac, according to WDSU. Investigators traced the activity to a Cox account, recovered images described in court as "selfies," and earlier hearings set bond at $75,000 per count, which would total roughly $1.65 million on the initial charges.
What Louisiana Law Says
Under La. R.S. 14:283, video voyeurism of anyone under 17 is a felony that can carry two to ten years at hard labor and a fine up to $10,000, according to the Louisiana Legislature. A conviction also requires sex offender registration. The statute defines video voyeurism broadly to include recording or transmitting images taken without consent for lewd or lascivious purposes.
School Response And Neighborhood Reaction
Isidore Newman School told families that the allegations "relate to online misconduct and do not involve any current or former Newman students," and said Cransac was placed on administrative leave, as reported by WVUE. Parents and nearby residents told local outlets they were stunned by the arrest and are keeping a close eye on the case as it develops.
In its release, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with relevant information to contact the office’s tip line. Officials again credited NOPD, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Kenner Police and Homeland Security Investigations for their roles in the probe.
What Happens Next
Cransac remains in custody at the Orleans Justice Center and faces further court appearances while prosecutors review digital evidence, according to local court records and reporting by WDSU. Prosecutors have added the 17 video voyeurism counts in recent filings, and authorities say the investigation is still active. Anyone with information has been asked to reach out to the Attorney General’s Office or the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation tip line.
