A Livingston Parish coach and teacher was arrested Tuesday on molestation charges involving a student. The news of a Live Oak coach arrested on molestation charges has deeply affected many families in the Live Oak High School community in Watson. For others — those who may have experienced something involving this coach or another adult in a position of authority — it raises an urgent question: what do you do with this, and do you have any legal options?
If you or someone you know was harmed by a coach, teacher, or school employee, Louisiana law gives you a path to pursue civil compensation — separate from anything that happens in a courtroom.
What Happened at Live Oak High School
According to reporting by the WAFB I-Team and the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, Stepfan Henderson, 34, was arrested Tuesday, May 26, 2026, on multiple felony charges including molestation of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. Henderson worked at Live Oak High School in Watson as a business English and technical writing teacher and as a defensive backs coach for the football team.
The Livingston Parish Public School System placed Henderson on administrative leave on April 16, 2026, immediately after receiving a report of misconduct at the school. School leaders contacted the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office and initiated an HR investigation the same day. Henderson denied the allegations when questioned by detectives, but Sheriff Jason Ard stated that investigators “were able to prove otherwise via electronic surveillance through our investigation.” He was booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center on a $350,000 bond.
Why the School District’s Response Matters Legally
Institutions — including public school systems — have a legal duty to protect students in their care. When a school receives a report of misconduct and fails to act appropriately, or when warning signs were present and ignored, that failure can give rise to civil liability beyond the individual who committed the harm.
In this case, the school placed Henderson on leave on April 16 after receiving a report — roughly six weeks before his arrest. The key legal questions are what the district knew, when they knew it, and whether students were adequately protected during that period. A civil claim can name not just the individual coach, but the institution that employed and supervised him.
Louisiana courts recognize institutional liability in sexual abuse cases involving school employees. That means the Livingston Parish School System, as an institution, may bear responsibility for harm caused by employees under their supervision and control.
Your Civil Claim Is Separate from the Criminal Case
A civil claim and a criminal case are two entirely different things. You do not need to wait for the criminal process to play out. You do not need to file a criminal complaint to pursue civil compensation. The standard of proof is different, the process is different, and the outcome is different.
In a civil claim, you are seeking financial compensation for the harm you or your child experienced — not a criminal conviction. Many survivors and their families choose to pursue only civil remedies. Others pursue both paths simultaneously. That decision is yours to make, and an experienced sexual abuse attorney in Baton Rouge can help you understand what makes sense for your specific situation.
What Compensation May Be Available
Every situation is different, and no attorney can promise a specific result. But in Louisiana civil claims involving sexual abuse by a school employee, survivors and families have recovered compensation for:
- Therapy and counseling costs — past expenses and future treatment that may be needed
- Pain and suffering — the emotional and psychological harm caused by the abuse and its aftermath
- Loss of enjoyment of life and disruption to normal development
- Other damages specific to your circumstances, which an attorney can evaluate during a free consultation
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
FAQ: Your Questions About School Employee Abuse Claims in Louisiana
Can I file a civil claim against the Livingston Parish School System?
Potentially yes. A school district can be named in a civil lawsuit in Louisiana if it knew or should have known about misconduct and failed to act appropriately to protect students. An attorney can review your situation and tell you whether an institutional claim is viable.
Does my child have to testify or confront the accused?
Not necessarily — and certainly not at the outset. A civil claim starts with an investigation and legal process that is far less confrontational than a criminal trial. Your attorney manages that process and can advise you on what to expect at each stage.
Do we need to wait for the criminal case to finish before filing a civil claim?
No. Civil and criminal cases run on separate tracks. You can pursue a civil claim regardless of where the criminal case stands — whether charges are pending, resolved, or never filed. Waiting is not required, and in Louisiana, time limits apply to civil claims, so acting sooner is generally better.
What if we’re not sure something happened — but our child’s behavior has changed?
Call us. A conversation costs nothing, and we can help you understand what signs may be worth investigating further. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you reach out to an attorney.
What does it cost to hire a sexual abuse lawyer in Louisiana?
At Mansfield Melancon, we handle sexual abuse cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and no attorney fees at all unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential.
Call us before you talk to the school district or their insurance representatives. The consultation is free, and knowing where you stand costs you nothing. Call (225) 263-4787 or contact us online to speak with a Baton Rouge sexual abuse lawyer today.