Teacher Twosome From Alleged Student-Screwing Threesome Free on Bail
The two Louisiana high school teachers accused of having a threesome with their 16-year-old student have been released on bail. What's more: One of the accused teachers is the daughter of one of only three judges in St. Charles Parish, raising questions about the necessity of appointing an outside judge.
32-year-old Shelley Dufresne and 24-year-old Rachel Respess were arrested earlier this week for allegedly taking a 16-year-old student to Repess' home after a football game and having sex with him until "the early morning hours." Dufresne also allegedly had sex with the teen at her home.
WGNO reports that Dusfresne, who is married with three young children, is the daughter of Emile St. Pierre, one of just three judges in St. Charles Parish. Judge Lauren Lemmon has already recused herself from the case, leaving only one judge—Michele Morel—available to hear the case. If Morel recuses herself, an outside judge will be brought in to oversee the trial.
Officials at Destrehan High School in Destrehan, La. began investigating the Dufresne and Respess after the student, who is now 17, reportedly bragged about the encounters to his friends.
According to Kenner Police Chief Michael Glaser, both teachers taught the student. "This Rachel Respess was an English teacher of the victim last school year, so she did have some type of contact and knew him. Shelley Dufresne is his current teacher," Glaser said at a press conference Wednesday. "Nothing surprises me anymore really, but I do believe it's lack of a better judgment. They should have known better."
The teachers face charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.