DENHAM SPRINGS, La. – A custodian at Seventh Ward Elementary School has been arrested and charged with molestation of a juvenile following an investigation by the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office (LPSO), in coordination with Livingston Parish Public Schools (LPPS).
Sheriff Jason Ard said the Special Victims’ Unit was contacted on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, by school officials regarding allegations of inappropriate behavior involving a school janitor and a juvenile during school hours.
Following the investigation, authorities determined that 38-year-old Christopher D. Abery of Denham Springs violated Louisiana Revised Statute 14:81.2, which pertains to the molestation of a juvenile. A warrant was issued, and Abery was subsequently taken into custody. He is currently being held at the Livingston Parish Detention Center. The investigation remains ongoing.
According to LPPS, Abery had been employed with the district since August 2024 and had passed all onboarding requirements, including a criminal background check, as required by state law at the time of his hiring.
The school district stated that the initial investigation began with school administration and was referred to law enforcement. Abery has been placed on administrative leave and is no longer present on campus.
Livingston Parish Public Schools emphasized its commitment to the safety and well-being of students and staff and said it will continue cooperating fully with law enforcement. The district will follow its established policies, including Policy GBK (Employee Discipline) and Policy GBN (Dismissal of Employees), upon the conclusion of the investigation.
All further inquiries regarding the case are being directed to the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.
