NOPD Arrests Assistant Teacher, Seeks 2 Others in Child Cruelty Case

Three suspects allegedly locked a non-verbal autistic student in a closet at a New Orleans school

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The New Orleans Police Department has arrested one suspect and is seeking two others in a child cruelty investigation. Police say the three assistant teachers allegedly locked a non-verbal autistic student in a closet at Arthur Ashe School, causing the child to panic. School officials immediately removed the suspects from the school and notified the police.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of child abuse and neglect, especially involving vulnerable students with special needs. It raises concerns about the vetting and training of school staff, as well as the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures in educational institutions.

The details

According to police, the incident occurred on January 22 at Arthur Ashe School in New Orleans. The three assistant teachers, Monette Marie Angelain, Jenea Cionne Gordon, and Patrice Denise Ancar, allegedly locked the non-verbal autistic student in a closet, causing the child to panic. School officials became aware of the incident, immediately removed the suspects from the school, and then notified the police. Angelain has since surrendered to authorities, but Gordon and Ancar remain at large.

  • The incident occurred on January 22, 2026.
  • Monette Marie Angelain surrendered to authorities last week.

The players

Monette Marie Angelain

One of the three assistant teachers accused of locking a non-verbal autistic student in a closet. Angelain has since surrendered to authorities.

Jenea Cionne Gordon

One of the three assistant teachers accused of locking a non-verbal autistic student in a closet. Gordon remains at large.

Patrice Denise Ancar

One of the three assistant teachers accused of locking a non-verbal autistic student in a closet. Ancar remains at large.

Arthur Ashe School

The school where the alleged child cruelty incident took place.

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What they’re saying

“In this incident, three assistant teachers at the school allegedly locked a non-verbal autistic child in a closet, causing the child to panic.”

— NOPD (audacy.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to grant bail for Monette Marie Angelain.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for stronger oversight and accountability measures in schools to protect vulnerable students, especially those with special needs. It underscores the importance of thorough vetting and training of all school staff to prevent such incidents of abuse and neglect.