Ascension teacher cleared of criminal charges, will return to classroom

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - A teacher will return to work at Central Middle School in Gonzales after 23rd Judicial District Attorney Ricky Babin chose not to move forward with a criminal case against her.

In a letter provided to WAFB by the Ascension Parish School System, Babin writes that his office has “elected to decline” the Principal to Cruelty of Juveniles charges that teacher Michelle Degroat was arrested for.

An Ascension Parish School System spokesperson also issued the following statement:

“Michelle Degroat, a teacher at Central Middle School, will be returning to the classroom following the dismissal of criminal charges by the District Attorney’s office.

We are grateful for the diligent work of law enforcement and legal authorities. Throughout this challenging time, the well-being and integrity of our educational community have remained our top priority.”

Officers with the Gonzales Police Department arrested Michelle Degroat on February 8, 2024 after investigating the educator’s husband for allegedly punishing two young children. An arrest warrant alleges Degroat’s husband Frank hit one of the children with a paint brush. The warrant further revealed that Michelle Degroat was accused of giving her husband the paint brush which he later allegedly used to hit a child with.

According to the warrant, food was also withheld from the children and they were forced to take cold showers as punishments.

Police initially charged Michelle Degroat with Principal to Cruelty to Juveniles and claimed in court documents that she was aware of her husband’s actions.

Police also arrested and charged Frank Degroat with Cruelty to Juveniles. His charges are still pending.

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