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HAMMOND, LA – A Hammond High Magnet School teacher is in custody of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office after being accused of inappropriate and criminal conduct toward students through social media.

The school’s administration began looking into these allegations after 27 -year -old Assistant Basketball Coach and teacher Jonathan J. Hill, was accused of making contact with a student via social media – which is against school policy.  On March 22, 2021, Hill was contacted and placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation conducted by the school authorities into the allegation.  As the internal investigation progressed, additional allegations surfaced leading the school’s administration to notify the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office; this was done on March 25, 2021.

Chief Jimmy Travis states during TPSO’s investigation into the allegations, detectives discovered that Hill sent inappropriate and sexually explicit messages to several juveniles through social media.

Detectives obtained a warrant for Hill’s arrest on two counts of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, two counts of Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Juvenile, and three counts of Prohibited Conduct between Educator and Student.

Yesterday evening Hill turned himself in.

So far, three victims have bravely come forward.  The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who has information related this case  to please come forward.  Please feel free to contact the TPSO by calling (985) 345-6150, or reach out to TPSO Detective Preston Bennett via email:  bennettp@tpso.org.