Associated Incidents
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The Louisiana Attorney General's Office confirmed Thursday that Benoit Cransac, 49, has been arrested on 22 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material.
Cransac was identified as a teacher and coach at Isidore Newman School.
Agents initially got a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Images suspected to be child sexual abuse material were uploaded to an online account. After agents reviewed the images, they confirmed they were in fact child sexual abuse material.
Through the course of the investigation it was determined he was a teacher at the school. Once probable cause was obtained, an arrest warrant was secured and he was taken into custody.
This arrest was a result of a joint investigation with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations Cyber Crimes Unit, the New Orleans Police Department, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office, the Kenner Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.
"If you possess child sexual abuse material, you will be arrested and prosecuted. While this is still an ongoing investigation, anyone with potential information should contact my office at 225-326-6100. I'd also like to thank NOPD, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office, Kenner Police, and Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance on this case," said Attorney General Murrrill.
Benoit Cransac was booked into the New Orleans jail.
His bond is currently pending.
FOX 8 reached out to Isidore Newman School for comment but we were able to obtain a notice that was sent to parents:
Dear Newman Families,
We are writing to inform you of a serious situation involving a Newman faculty member. Today around noon authorities arrived on campus with an arrest warrant for Benoit Cransac. Without any students present, Mr. Cransac was arrested on suspicion of possession of online child sexual abuse material. Based on current information provided by authorities, these allegations relate to online misconduct and do not involve any current or former Newman students. Due to this event, Mr. Cransac is now on administrative leave and is not permitted to return to campus.
For 13 years, Mr. Cransac has taught Lower School French at Newman. Additionally, Mr. Cransac also coached Middle School tennis at Newman and worked with Newman Plus.
The safety and security of our students and community are our highest priority. The School conducts criminal and sex offender background checks on all faculty and staff at the time of hire and routinely throughout their employment.
Given that there is an ongoing criminal investigation, there are limitations to what we can communicate. We are cooperating fully with the authorities and have an open line of communication. If you have relevant information, please contact the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation directly at (225) 326-6100.
Please know we are addressing this situation with the seriousness it deserves. We remain committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for every student entrusted to our care. We want to be supportive of families and understand that individual families may have preferences on what and how to communicate to their children. We will share information as we are able.
If you or your children need support, please reach out directly to a school leader or one of our counselors.
Dale M. Smith - Head of School
No additional details have been released. Authorities say more information will be provided as it becomes available.
The Attorney General's Office said the investigation remains active.