St. Martin Parish detectives say their case against a former fifth-grade teacher has grown significantly, with a second alleged victim now identified and a stack of new felony counts filed. The teacher, 31-year-old Marisa Noel, who previously taught at Teche Elementary, was first arrested earlier in April and remains behind bars. Authorities report that evidence collected since the investigation began in late January led to the expanded slate of charges.
Charges and counts
According to KPLC, state filings list numerous serious offenses against Noel, including 18 counts of indecent behavior with juveniles, seven counts of computer-aided solicitation of a minor, two counts of possessing child sexual abuse material, one count of first-degree rape and a charge of unlawful communications. Other local coverage has noted that the total number of charges rose into the mid-20s once filings connected to the newly identified alleged victim were added, with WAFB reporting that Noel faces roughly 25 counts in all.
Custody and bond status
Noel was booked into the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center on April 13 and remains in custody, according to WBRZ. Her original bond was set at $750,000, and no bond has been established on the latest felony additions, KATC reports. The investigation is still active as detectives continue combing through electronic communications and physical evidence, according to Tampa Free Press.
State investigators make another arrest
The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation says agents arrested 37-year-old Cortney Burleigh on April 16 in connection with the same probe. The Attorney General’s Office reports that Burleigh faces charges including indecent behavior with juveniles as an accessory, cruelty to juveniles and obstruction of justice. In a statement released by the Attorney General’s Office, Attorney General Liz Murrill said, "We will continue to support our partners across the State and bring to justice anyone who exploits or sexually abuses the children of Louisiana." The release notes that the LBI has worked with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations on the case and that the joint investigation involves alleged sexual abuse of a child under age 13.
About Teche Elementary
Teche Elementary is part of the St. Martin Parish School District and serves upper-elementary students in the Breaux Bridge area. The campus details and grade span are listed on the school’s website, according to Teche Elementary.
What comes next
The investigation remains open, and prosecutors could bring additional counts as detectives and state agents continue to evaluate the evidence. Both Noel and Burleigh are still in custody, and some of the newest felony charges currently carry no bond, Tampa Free Press reports. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact law enforcement as the probe moves forward.
