Rachel Respess, Shelley Dufresne Accused In Louisiana Group Sex Case


Two Louisiana teachers, Rachel Respess and Shelley Dufresne, have been arrested and charged with felony crimes for an alleged sexual relationship with a student. The lurid details include group sex and regular sexual contact with a teenager at Destrehan High School.

The story made headlines worldwide as early notes about the incident were released in court. The Inquisitr detailed the early parts of the story, including the accusations that Rachel Respess and Shelley Dufresne took a male student to Respess’ home where they had group sex for hours. The allegations began when the student, now 17, bragged to friends about the relationship and his alleged ongoing relationship with at least one of the teachers.

Shelley Dufresne, 32, and Rachel Respess, 24, are both English teachers at Destrehan High. According to WDSU, the teachers were arrested and have been charged with carnal knowledge of a juvenile and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

The incident in question took place on September 12, when the teenager involved was still 16 years of age. While other incidents may have occurred, the threesome at Rachel Respess’ home is the only one authorities are investigating at this time. The age of consent in Louisiana is 17, and some later encounters with one or both teachers may have been after the teen was of age.

“No matter what sex the victim is, everyone should be outraged,” said Kenner Police Chief Michael Glaser to WDSU.

Both women had bond hearings on Wednesday afternoon, and Rachel Respess was released early Thursday morning. Dufresne was also released, though she also faces charges in St. Charles, Louisiana.

However, matters get complicated in the group sex case. One of the accused, Dufresne, is found to have a father as the judge in St. Charles. He has recused himself, and the Supreme Court will have to assign another judge. Two additional judges could be called, but one has recused herself as well, citing friendship with the family. That judge, Lauren Lemmon, was the judge at Defresne’s bond hearing. This leaves only Judge Michele Morel, says WDSU. She is up for re-election, but will likely agree to try the case. Assistant Attorney General Julie Cullen will prosecute the case.

In Destrehan, things are not so complicated, and the case will proceed normally against Rachel Respess and her alleged accomplice. The sex crime case will likely continue to attract attention as more of the lurid details are released through trial.

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