Former student files lawsuit against Baton Rouge teacher after accusing him of rape

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — A former Louisiana high school teacher is being sued by a student who said he sexually assaulted her.

According to court documents, Johnnie Butler is a defendant in a lawsuit filed in the 19th Judicial District. Other defendants include the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and workers in the school system's human resources department, Nicola Hall and Bianca Williams

The plaintiff claims Butler "manipulated and lured" her into a place on the campus in May 2023. Butler is accused of pulling the plaintiff into a closet and sexually assaulting and battering her.

The plaintiff was taken to a local hospital for treatment and a rape kit, according to the lawsuit.

Butler was arrested on charges of third-degree rape and prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student, according to the arrest warrant.

The lawsuit argues that the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, Hall and Williams knew Butler was capable of committing sexual assault and battery. The lawsuit alleges the school system failed to supervise, train, report crime, follow procedures, implement processes and failed to obey the laws in East Baton Rouge Parish.

The plaintiff is suing for amounts to be determined based on physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, psychological trauma and emotional distress.

The next hearing in Butler's criminal case is a status conference set for May 16.

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