Anonymous tip, texts with students lead to former Pearl River teacher’s arrest

Rachel Hernandez
·2 min read

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

PEARL RIVER, La. (WGNO) — A former Pearl River teacher has been arrested after being accused of sending inappropriate texts to students.

Pearl River High School administrators contacted the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office on April 9 about an anonymous tip the school received regarding 30-year-old Arianna Kadinger, according to the STPSO.

The tipster accused Kadinger of having an inappropriate relationship with a student.

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The sheriff’s office investigated the accusation and alleges that Kadinger sent texts to two students that included “inappropriate” photos and language.

On Friday, May 3, Kadinger was arrested and charged with four counts of felony prohibited conduct between an educator and student and misdemeanor prohibited conduct between a teacher and student.

“It is very unsettling that an individual who is in a position to be a role model and educator in one of schools took advantage of that position in such a disturbing manner,” said Sheriff Randy Smith.

It’s the second time this week a teacher was arrested for alleged inappropriate behavior with students in St. Tammany Parish. On Tuesday, a Slidell teacher was arrested for allegedly buying students alcohol at bars and sexual misconduct.

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In response to the recent arrest, St. Tammany Parish Public School System Superintendent Frank Jabbia said, “I understand the concern this news may cause for parents and the community. I am disgusted by these allegations, and this will not be tolerated in St. Tammany Parish. Please be assured that we are committed to maintaining a learning environment where students are safe from harm. We encourage any student or parent who has concerns or information about safety issues to come forward and speak to law enforcement. We are continuing to cooperate with the Pearl River Police Department and the St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office, and we are ensuring that Mental Health Providers are on hand to assist students. I want to make it clear that the safety and well-being of our students are our highest priorities.”

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