LAFAYETTE — The Lafayette Police Department has arrested the former director of construction, maintenance, and facilities for the Lafayette Parish School System, according to an LPSS spokesperson.
A school system official said police arrested Robert Gautreaux on a count of injuring public records and filing false public records.
Gautreaux's arrest came after a police investigation that was ultimately referred to prosecutors.
On June 18, 2025, the Lafayette Police Department received information from LPSS regarding the formal turnover of its internal investigation into reported irregularities, according to Sgt: Robin Green, spokesperson for LPD. After a two-and-a-half-month investigation, Gautreaux was arrested.
We asked what Gautreaux's work status is, and LPSS officials sent us this statement:
Mr. Robert Gautreaux stepped down from his position as Director of Construction, Maintenance, and Facilities in June 2025. At that time, he accepted a position as an agriculture teacher with a focus on welding.
We want to be clear: Mr. Gautreaux has been charged by law enforcement, but he has not been indicted or convicted. The charges are related to his previous administrative position, not his current teaching role.
The Lafayette Parish School System respects the presumption of innocence and the right to due process. We will continue to monitor the matter as it proceeds through the judicial system.
In another statement, LPSS Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. said:
“The arrest of Mr. Gautreaux is very upsetting to me. He is a friend and has been a great asset to LPSS in both his teaching and administrative capacities. At the same time, however, all employees of LPSS are expected to perform their job duties in accordance with legal requirements. If it is ultimately determined that he failed to do so, then appropriate administrative action will be taken. In the meantime, I have directed my staff to continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office until this matter is resolved.”
The investigation is still ongoing.
Here are some of our stories on this:
LPSS: Temporary leadership shift in facilities oversight
UPDATE: LPSS construction manager now back to ag teacher, The Current reports
LPSS maintenance manager abusing vehicle privileges, neighbors claim
The Current: Did LPSS superintendent cruise with a contractor awarded millions in no-bid work?
