Teacher charged with harassing student

After several harassing phone calls to a 15-year-old Grand Caillou student, one Terrebonne Parish school teacher faces misdemeanor charges for telephone harassment.

On Thursday, Feb. 8, 42-year-old Joan Whitney was issued a misdemeanor summons for harassing a local female student. According to state law, Whitney could face up to six months in jail or pay a $200 to $500 fines for the charges.

“In this case, we expect for her to just receive a fine. Normally, people don’t get jail time for misdemeanor harassment charges,” said Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Jerry J. Larpenter.

Officials said Whitney and another Grand Caillou teacher, who was not charged, apparently formed a social relationship with the 15-year-old. Larpenter the student’s name is not being released because of her age.

According to sheriff deputies after the phone calls got out of hand, the parents contacted the department asking that someone speak to Whitney about her behavior. A full investigation was launched as to why the teacher was harassing the student, according to the sheriff.

After a thorough investigation, detectives deemed that the relationship was non-sexual in nature. “If it was, then Whitney would be in jail,” Larpenter said.

A March court date has been set for Whitney. No other related complaints have been received and no further charges have been filed. The student’s parents are reportedly satisfied with the outcome, Larpenter said.