HOUMA, La. — Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet announced the arrest of a local elementary school teacher after an investigation into allegations of abuse involving a non-verbal autistic student.
Authorities say Wayne J. Schexnayder Jr., 58, was arrested and charged with one count of Cruelty to the Infirmed following the investigation.
According to the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a parish elementary school on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, after administrators reported allegations that a teacher had abused a student in the classroom. School officials provided initial information and witness statements from staff members.
Investigators learned that several employees allegedly observed Schexnayder physically restraining and striking the child during class. Witnesses also reported seeing the student crying and displaying visible redness and markings on her shoulder, neck, and ear area after the incident.
During the investigation, authorities located classroom surveillance footage. A preliminary review by Terrebonne Parish School Board security personnel reportedly showed Schexnayder restraining the child for an extended period, striking her multiple times, pulling her hair, covering her face, and using objects to hit her. The child was described as visibly distressed throughout the recorded incident.
Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit conducted multiple interviews with witnesses and contacted the child’s parent, who confirmed noticing injuries that were inconsistent with the child’s known self-harming behaviors. Photographs documenting the injuries were collected as evidence.
Schexnayder later voluntarily appeared at the Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau, where he was interviewed by investigators. Authorities say he admitted to restraining the child but stated he could not recall the full extent of his actions. After being confronted with video evidence, he reportedly acknowledged his conduct was wrong.
Based on the evidence gathered, Schexnayder was arrested and transported to the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex. He remains in custody on a $2,500 bond set by local judges.
Sheriff Soignet stated the case is deeply concerning and emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children and thoroughly investigating allegations of abuse.
The investigation remains ongoing. The identity of the juvenile victim is being withheld due to the nature of the case. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
