On Thursday, two St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools employees were arrested for cruelty linked to an incident with a student at East St. John High School, authorities reported. 

Ronald August, 40, from LaPlace, was arrested for cruelty to the infirm after a judicial warrant was issued. Toi Green, 45, of LaPlace, was charged with cruelty and simple battery against the infirm, according to the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

School officials didn’t specify Green and August’s roles, but the district’s website listed August as a behavior interventionist and the 2019 Milesville Special Education Employee of the Year 

Green was identified as a special education aide on East St. John’s website, yet the district has not disclosed specifics regarding the allegations against the two individuals. 

The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident occurred at East St. John High School in LaPlace but directed all further inquiries to the school district.

Cleo Perry, the superintendent of St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools, and Mike Tregre, the sheriff of the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office, signed a joint statement released on Friday by the school district and the sheriff’s office.

“On February 13, 2025, St. John the Baptist Parish School Board staff was made aware of an incident involving employee misconduct that had allegedly occurred at one of our schools on February 12th.

Upon receiving the report, the school administration immediately began an investigation into the matter. As part of its investigation, the School Board also referred the matter to the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, which promptly launched its own investigation in collaboration with our office.

At this time, both agencies are continuing to investigate the matter. All involved employees have been placed on leave while the investigation are ongoing. The parent of the student involved has been notified.

Please know that we take all allegations of employee misconduct very seriously and remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students.”