The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office received information this week that a former speech therapist at Franklinton High School had engaged in sexual activity with juveniles.

An investigation was launched which culminated this afternoon with the arrest of Kimberly Shaw Cooke, 40, a resident of Bickham Street in Franklinton. Officials at Franklinton High School cooperated with the investigation. There is no evidence at this time to indicate that Cooke engaged in sexual activity with students while she was employed at the school.

According to information obtained during the investigation, including interviews and written statements, Cooke had sexual relations inside her home with at least two Franklinton High School students, both under the age of 17.

Cooke was arrested this afternoon and transported to the Washington Parish Jail where she will remain with no bond until her appearance before a magistrate.  She is charged with violation of Section 14:81 of the Louisiana Revised Code, Indecent Behavior With Juveniles. The Act defines such behavior as “any lewd or lascivious act upon the person or in the presence of any child under the age of seventeen, when there is an age difference of greater than two years between the two persons.” 

Sheriff Randy Seal stated, “It is shocking and disappointing to hear news like this.   There is no excuse for such exploitation of juveniles. I commend our staff for acting quickly and making this arrest.”