Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested a Breaux Bridge woman on April 16 as part of an ongoing investigation into crimes against children involving a former St. Martin Parish fifth-grade teacher.
The arrest highlights the continued efforts by state and local authorities to address child exploitation and abuse. The case involves multiple agencies working together to investigate allegations related to the sexual abuse of a child under thirteen years old.
Cortney Burleigh, age 37, was charged with one count each of cruelty to juveniles, indecent behavior with juveniles/accessory after the fact, and obstruction of justice. According to information released by the Attorney General’s office, Burleigh was not employed as a teacher at Teche Elementary School but was arrested for her involvement in crimes discovered during the investigation. The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation assisted the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office after Marisa Noel, a former fifth-grade teacher at Teche Elementary School, had been previously arrested for first degree rape and other offenses against children.
Burleigh’s arrest followed additional findings that led authorities to rearrest Noel on new charges. Burleigh was booked into St. Martin Parish Jail following her arrest.
“We will continue to support our partners across the State and bring to justice anyone who exploits or sexually abuses the children of Louisiana,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.
The joint investigation is ongoing between state law enforcement agencies including Homeland Security Investigations and local officials from St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The Louisiana Department of Justice works statewide as the primary legal office for Louisiana under an independently elected attorney general according to its official website. It focuses on protecting constitutional rights, providing legal resources for citizens according to its official website, preserving culture through legal efforts according to its official website, and has challenged federal overreach in more than 35 cases under Murrill’s leadership according to its official website.
