St. Charles Parish authorities on Monday arrested Destrehan High School Band Director Byron Toups on sex charges.
It comes after St. Charles Parish Sheriff's detectives previously cleared Toups amid allegations he had sex with a 16-year-old girl and harassed a 17-year-old.
Raphael Goyeneche with the Metropolitan Crime Commission says band members' relative contacted his organization and they were able to find additional evidence.
"The Crime Commission investigated and identified another potential victim that had relocated out of state," said Goyeneche.
Listen to Goyeneche talking with WWL's Dave Cohen:
Toups is charged with molestation of a juvenile, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and simple battery.
Rochelle Cancienne with the St. Charles Parish Schools says they are now reopening their investigation that also previously cleared Toups and allowed him to continue teaching and take a band trip with the students to Lafayette earlier this month.
"We'll take the appropriate action necessary as warranted," said Cancienne.
Listen to Cancienne:
A news release from the Sheriff's office says:
St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne reports the arrest of Byron Toups, W/M, DOB: 1-24-69 of 102 Edna Drive in Des Allemands, Louisiana on a warrant filed on March 17, 2008. The arrest took place at approximately 9:15 AM today at Destrehan High School, where Toups is a band director. He is charged with Molestation of a Juvenile, Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, and Simple Battery.
Toups allegedly had sexual intercourse with a 16-year old student at his home. In a separate incident, during the Summer of 2007, Toups allegedly attempted to kiss an unwilling 17-year old student during Band Camp at Destrehan High School.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone having information of these incidents or other activities involving Toups are encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Roanne Sampson at 985-783-1135.
