LAFAYETTE, La. (NEWS 15) — The Lafayette Police Department has arrested Robert Gautreaux, the former Director of Construction, Maintenance, and Facilities for the Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS), on charges related to falsifying public documents.
Gautreaux, 46, was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on charges of injuring public records and filing false public records. He was later released after posting a $20,000 bond.
According to LPSS officials, the arrest follows a thorough investigation conducted by Lafayette police detectives with full cooperation from the school system. The investigation centered on forged construction bid quotes for school projects.
Superintendent Francis Touchet Jr. expressed personal disappointment over the situation, acknowledging Gautreaux’s past contributions to LPSS in both teaching and administrative roles.
“The arrest of Mr. Gautreaux is very upsetting to me. He is a friend and has been a great asset to LPSS,” said Touchet. “However, all employees must comply with legal requirements. If found guilty, appropriate action will follow.”
Touchet also confirmed the school system will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office, which has received all investigative findings for review.
As the investigation remains active and involves personnel matters, LPSS stated no further public comment will be made at this time.
