Gym Teacher Charged With Raping Elementary School Student, Videotaping Another In 'Disgusting' Case

An elementary school gym teacher is facing a rape charge after authorities say he sexually assaulted an elementary student on the school's campus. He is also accused of videotaping another student for lewd and lascivious purposes.

Aubrey Norcross, 47, has been charged with first-degree rape and video voyeurism in connection with the allegations. The investigation into the Louisiana teacher's behavior began after a parent of one of the students made a report, according to the Shreveport Times.

“As Sheriff, parent, and a grandparent, I fully understand the concerns that parents have when they hear about this type of vile behavior,” Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington said in a statement.  “It’s disgusting, plain and simple."

Norcross was initially charged on Wednesday with video voyeurism after law enforcement discovered a video he had allegedly taken on his phone of a student in class without the student's knowledge.

Edward Mouton, an attorney who represents the family of one of the alleged victims said in a statement obtained by local station KTBS that the video on the teacher's phone was taken during a gym class for "lewd or lascivious purpose." The child in the video was unaware of the recording and the family has not told the child, he said.

"The parents identify with others in the community who are in shock and disbelief, as they knew Aubrey Norcross was a beloved staff member at Benton Elementary School," Mouton said in the release.

Just a few days later, on Friday, authorities charged Norcross with rape. They've provided few details into the allegations, but said detectives had been working tirelessly before the charges to interview countless adults and children.

"I encourage parents to have honest and open discussions with their children about inappropriate touching and behavior,” Whitington said in the release. 

Scott Smith, the superintendent of Bossier Schools, said the school district is now focused on trying to help students, teachers and parents in the community as they process the allegations.

“The realization of what is alleged to have occurred is repugnant to us at Bossier Schools and we are deeply saddened and angered," Smith said in a statement. "We will not let the charges brought against this individual tarnish the great work and quality learning that takes place every day in our schools."

Norcross is being held at the Bossier Maximum Security Facility on a total bond of $900,000.

[Photo: Bossier Sheriff's Office]