Louisiana Pastor Sentenced to Prison for Taping Students’ Mouths Shut

A South Louisiana pastor and former headmaster of a Christian school is facing time in prison and probation after taping multiple students' mouths shut at school.

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John Raymond, former headmaster of Lakeside Christian School, is being accused of taping three students' mouths shut to discipline them for 'talking too much' according to Fox 8.

The Slidell pastor has been convicted of cruelty to juveniles who allegedly removed the students from the classroom and put packing tape over their mouths to keep them from talking in class.

Thursday, Raymond, who denies these allegations, appeared in court and was found guilty. Originally, the pastor was sentenced to five years in prison. However, the judge adjusted his sentence to two years in prison and three years of probation.

Collin Sims, St. Tammany Parish District Attorney, says the penalty is 'sufficient' for the crime Raymound committed.

Fox 8 reported that Raymound is not currently behind bars but a bond has been set for $100,000. If he posts a bond, he won't have to wait behind bars during the appeal process.

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