Jefferson Parish art teacher accused of making sexual advances towards student

GRETNA – A student at John Ehret High School is suing the Jefferson Parish Public School System alleging his art teacher made sexual advances toward him.

The male student filed suit against Rene Pierre and the Jefferson Parish School Board through its president Larry Dale in the 24th Judicial District Court on Oct. 1.

Allen claims that he was a student of Pierre’s at John Ehret High School in the fall semester of 2012 and that he and other students were subjected to inappropriate sexual advances from Pierre. The plaintiff asserts during the alleged sexual advances that Pierre was acting in the course and scope of his employment.

In July of this year Pierre was arrested by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO). The suit claims that JPSO detectives interviewed several students, witnesses and faculty members who attested to Pierre’s behavior that allegedly included attempting to show sexually explicit photos to students on his school computer and trying to lure students into a back room for sex.

On Oct. 25, 2012 Pierre was suspended without pay and then fired a month later.

The defendant is accused of negligent hiring practices for failing to vet the defendant before allowing him to work with teenagers.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for mental anguish, emotional distress and medical expenses.

The plaintiff is represented by Betsy J. Barnes of New Orleans-based Barnes & Root.

The case has been assigned to Division H Judge Glenn B. Ansardi.

Case no. 731-621.