PARADIS, La. – Three employees of R.J. Vial Elementary School in St. Charles Parish have been arrested following an investigation into alleged student mistreatment, authorities confirmed on Friday, February 28, 2025.
The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office launched the investigation after school officials reported concerns about a student’s well-being.
Incident Details:
On February 25, 2025, the child’s mother noticed unexplained bruises on her child’s right bicep, left chest, and upper back. Concerned, she reached out to school officials to determine if any incidents had occurred.
In response, school administrators reviewed video footage and the student’s daily activity log. After examining the evidence, they promptly contacted law enforcement.
Following a detective investigation, authorities obtained arrest warrants for three school employees:
Richard Hudson II, 44 – Teacher, charged with felony cruelty to juveniles
Quiana Smith, 46 – Para-educator, charged with felony cruelty to juveniles
Misty Schaubhut, 47 – Substitute teacher, charged with misdemeanor failure to report abuse
School & Law Enforcement Response:
In a statement, St. Charles Parish Public Schools confirmed that the school system is conducting its own internal investigation while cooperating with law enforcement.
“R.J. Vial Elementary School is reviewing how a student incident was handled by school employees,” the statement read.
“The associated employees have been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation. As this is a personnel matter, we are unable to provide further details.”
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the alleged mistreatment to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
