A former fifth grade teacher in Louisiana is behind bars after investigators say she was involved in inappropriate relationships with students — and the case appears to be even bigger than first reported.
Authorities say 31-year-old Marisa Noel became the focus of an investigation back in January after a complaint alleged she had an inappropriate relationship with a former student.
At the time, Noel was working at an elementary school in St. Martin Parish.
As detectives dug deeper — with help from state and federal agencies — they say they found enough evidence to move forward with serious charges.
Then things escalated.
Investigators later identified a second alleged victim, expanding the scope of the case.
Noel is now facing a total of 25 charges, including indecent behavior with juveniles, first-degree rape, possession of child sexual abuse material, unlawful communications, harassment, and computer-aided solicitation of a minor.
She is currently being held at a local correctional facility.
Authorities have not yet said whether she has entered a plea or hired an attorney.