Louisiana School Leader Steps Down After 2nd Child Abuse Arrest
For the second time in two months, the pastor of Slidell’s New Horizon church and an elected member of the St. Tammany Republican Parish Executive Committee John Raymond has been arrested and charged with cruelty to juveniles.
Pastor John Raymond is Accused of Abusing a 4-Year-Old Student
According to the report from the Huffington Post, 60-year-old John Raymond (who also founded and served as Headmaster at Lakeside Christian Academy in Slidell), is accused of abusing a 4-year-old student on multiple occasions. The accusations include Raymond holding the child in the air by the ankles and repeatedly "whipping" him on the buttocks.
This is Not the First Time Raymond Allegedly Abused the Same Child
More incidences have been reported with the same child: Including the time that Raymond allegedly placed his hand over the mouth and nose of the screaming pre-k student "until he went limp," and another allegation that he drug the child by his ankles across the floor because he "refused to leave with Raymond."
LCA Headmaster and Founder John Raymond Has Been Arrested Twice in 2 Months for Cruelty to Juveniles
On Monday (May 9th), Raymond was arrested by officers with Slidell Police Department and charged with a single count of second degree cruelty to juveniles. He has since been released on a $7,500 bond. This arrest comes just one month after Raymond was arrested and charged with 3 counts of three counts of cruelty to juveniles for allegedly taping 3 students mouths shut to punish them for punishment for “excessive talking."
More Allegations Against John Raymond Have Begun to Surface
Since the latest arrest, Slidell Police have reportedly heard more allegations from former students and faculty at the Christian school. The case is still under investigation.
Pastor John Raymond Has Stepped Down After The Cruelty to Juveniles Arrests
NOLA.com reports that a letter from the kindergarten through 12th grade school's administration went out to parents earlier this week explaining that John Raymond would be taking a "voluntary leave of absence."