Ponchatoula, La. — A former Maurepas School teacher and basketball coach faces multiple charges after authorities said an investigation in Ponchatoula uncovered evidence involving juveniles in Livingston Parish.
Trey Sparks, 30, was arrested following an investigation that began when concerned parents contacted the Ponchatoula Police Department about messages between a juvenile and a coach and teacher employed by the Tangipahoa Parish School System, according to Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard.
Ponchatoula police arrested Sparks on four counts under Louisiana’s child sexual abuse material statute and one count of prohibited sexual conduct between an educator and student, according to the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Police seized digital devices belonging to Sparks during the Ponchatoula investigation. Information found during the examination of those devices led authorities to identify alleged victims who live in Livingston Parish, LPSO said.
Detectives with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children and Special Victims units began their investigation Oct. 6 after being contacted by Ponchatoula police.
LPSO said investigators narrowed the timeframe of the alleged incidents in Livingston Parish to 2023 and 2024, when Sparks worked for Livingston Parish Public Schools at Maurepas School.
“This newly uncovered evidence points to inappropriate behavior with juveniles who were under his supervision,” LPSO said in its release.
Sparks faces the following charges in Livingston Parish:
Livingston Parish Public Schools said Sparks was employed by the district from Feb. 18, 2021, through Oct. 25, 2024. He worked as a middle and high school physical education teacher and basketball coach at Maurepas School.
According to the district, Sparks resigned Oct. 25, 2024, citing “other opportunities” related to employment with another school district.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff are the top priority of the Livingston Parish Public School System,” the district said. “District leadership will work with law enforcement officials in this matter.”
The district directed questions about the arrest and charges to the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Sparks was transported from the Tangipahoa Parish Jail to the Livingston Parish Detention Center, where he was being held without bond, according to LPSO.
“More charges are expected as possible victims are identified,” Ard said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
