Louisiana School Coach, Bus Driver Arrested in Trafficking Case

ALEXANDRIA, La. - A Louisiana school employee is facing serious charges following an undercover investigation into alleged child sex trafficking in the Alexandria area.

Louisiana State Police say 37-year-old Esaw Owens III was arrested Friday, August 21, after investigators conducted an undercover chat operation involving sexual activity in exchange for money. Owens is employed by the Rapides Parish School Board as both a coach and school bus driver.

According to louisianafistnews.com, he investigation involved the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit, the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office and the FBI.

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Rapides Parish Coach Arrested In Undercover Operation

According to Louisiana State Police, law enforcement officers "communicated with Owens regarding sexual acts in exchange for money."

After the investigation was over, authorities arrested Esaw Owens III on several charges involving human trafficking of children for sexual purposes and purchase of commercial sexual activity according to the LSP press release.

This arrest is particularly concerning because of Owens' connection to the Rapides Parish School System where Owens worked as a coach bus bus driver for the school board.

Louisiana State Police said the investigation is still active and ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time. For now, officials have not announced additional suspects or provided further information about any potential victims.

From LSP.org -

LSP SVU works to rescue and seek justice for the victims of crimes involving the exploitation of children and the trafficking of humans for sex or labor. The public plays an important role in identifying suspects accused of these crimes and is urged to report criminal or suspicious activity.

The Louisiana State Police has an online reporting system in place for anonymous reporting of suspected human trafficking for sex or labor.

The form can be found by visiting la-safe.org and clicking on the “Suspicious Activity” link.