Terrebonne Parish Teacher Arrested for Cruelty to an Infirmed Juvenile

March 25, 2026

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet announced the arrest of a local elementary school teacher, following an investigation into allegations of abuse involving a non-verbal autistic student.  Wayne J. Schexnayder Jr, 58, was arrested on charges connected to the investigation.

On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the Terrebonne Parish Patrol Division were called to a Terrebonne Parish based elementary school, in response to allegations of abuse by a teacher against a non-verbal autistic student.  When Deputies arrived, contact was made with school administrators, who provided information related to the complaint.  During the investigation, Deputies learned that a teacher, identified as Wayne J. Schexnayder Jr, was allegedly observed by fellow co-workers physically restraining and striking the child, while in the classroom.

School administrators provided witness statements to Authorities from multiple staff members, as well as initial information regarding the incident.  Statements obtained from paraprofessionals present in the classroom described witnessing Schexnayder physically restrain and allegedly strike the child.  Staff members reported observing the juvenile crying, with visible redness and markings on her shoulder, neck, and ear area following the incident.

Further investigation revealed the existence of classroom surveillance footage. A preliminary review of video footage by Terrebonne Parish School Board Security staff confirmed that a video spanning approximately 14 minutes was found, showing Schexnayder repeatedly restraining the child between his legs while seated, striking her on multiple occasions, pulling her hair, covering her face, and using objects to hit her.  The child is seen visibly distressed throughout the incident.

Detectives of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit were brought in to complete the investigation.  SVU Detectives completed numerous interviews with witnesses, who confirmed the allegations and statements.  Detectives also made contact with a parent of the victim, who confirmed observing injuries on her daughter that were inconsistent with the child’s known self-harming behaviors.  Photographs documenting the injuries were provided to investigators and entered into evidence.

Detectives later contacted Schexnayder, who voluntarily responded to the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau.  Detectives interviewed Schexnayder, who admitted to restraining the child, but claimed he could not recall the extent of his actions. When confronted with the video evidence, he acknowledged that his actions were wrong.  Based on the evidence obtained during the investigation, Schexnayder was placed under arrest and charged with one count of Cruelty to the Infirmed.  Schexnayder was transported to the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex, where he remains in custody on a $2,500.00 bond by local judges.

“The safety and well-being of our children—especially those who are most vulnerable—is a responsibility we take extremely seriously”, said Sheriff Tim Soignet.  “The actions observed in this case are deeply disturbing and will not be tolerated in our community.  We remain committed to thoroughly investigating any allegations of abuse and ensuring those responsible are held fully accountable under the law.”

This investigation remains ongoing, and the identity of the victim is being withheld, due to the nature of the investigation.  Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

ARRESTED PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.

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