JEFFERSON, LA, (September 12, 2025) - Authorities are investigating allegations of sexual abuse involving a former Jefferson Parish Public School System employee and a student at Riverdale High School.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating allegations that former school district employee Phabion Woodard sexually abused a student.
Phabion Woodard, 27, of New Orleans, has been charged with molestation of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile in connection with incidents that reportedly occurred in 2023. Investigators said Woodard initiated inappropriate online contact with a 16-year-old female student and touched her at least once on school grounds.
Deputies arrested Woodard on Jan. 29, 2024, before releasing him the next day on a $50,000 bond. He was formally charged on Aug. 28, and his arraignment is set for Oct. 27. The school district has not revealed what role he held at the school.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
TRUST BETRAYED
Employees of the education system are expected to uphold a high standard of professionalism, creating a secure and trusting environment for every student. Faculty must respect ethical boundaries that support children's development during their formative years. Unfortunately, violations of these boundaries through sexual abuse can have devastating consequences.
Sexual abuse can refer to any form of sexual conduct between a professional and the individual seeking or receiving their service.
These professionals hold positions of authority, often supporting people during vulnerable moments in their lives. Because of this imbalance of power, any form of inappropriate sexual engagement is a betrayal of trust and, in many cases, a violation of the law.
"Child sex abuse allegations in schools require swift and thorough investigation to ensure the safety of all students and hold responsible parties accountable," said Rebecca Setlow of Fidelity Legal. "When one person reports abuse, it often gives others the courage to speak — and unmasks years, sometimes decades, of repeated offenses."
When abuse occurs, the psychological impact can be profound. Victims may experience feelings of confusion, guilt, shame or anger as they grapple with the betrayal. Many struggle with anxiety disorders, depression, or intimacy issues, as they attempt to process what has happened. Their ability to trust others—including future professionals—can be shattered, sometimes leading to sexual dysfunction or an increased risk of suicide. The emotional aftermath can be complex and painful, requiring sensitive support and validation.
IDENTIFYING ABUSE
Sexual abuse by professionals is a serious issue, yet it is reported far less often than it occurs. Survivors may fear retaliation, worry their accounts won’t be believed, or not fully recognize the harm until much later. The imbalance of power makes speaking out even more difficult, leaving many victims to suffer in silence.
Navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming, especially in cases of sexual abuse. “Skilled attorneys often uncover patterns that reveal the abuse was not an isolated event, but part of a broader system-wide failure,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Victims must know they are not at fault and have options, including pursuing a civil lawsuit or reporting the incident to authorities.
Bond added, “Survivors often have the option to keep their identities private while still holding abusers accountable.” While legal action cannot undo the trauma endured, it can provide financial restitution and a path toward justice.
Trust is the foundation of professional relationships, and when it is broken, accountability is essential. “Survivors deserve more than silence — a strong attorney ensures their voice is heard where it matters most,” Bond said.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an incident similar to the one described in this article, national legal analyst Rebecca Setlow is available for a free consultation. Please use the contact information on this page to get in touch.
(Rebecca Setlow, General Counsel at Fidelity Legal, is a national legal analyst for The Legal Advocate. The Legal Advocate can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Ms. Rebecca Setlow to help you, please call 866-805-9260 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).