Louisiana teacher and sheriff's deputy husband arrested on child porn, rape charges

LIVINGSTON PARISH, La. — A Louisiana teacher and her husband, a sheriff's deputy, are behind bars after authorities arrested them on child pornography and rape charges this week.

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According to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office, Cynthia and Dennis Perkins, both of Denham Springs, each face 60 counts of producing child pornography and two counts of first-degree rape. Dennis Perkins, a lieutenant for the Sheriff's Office, also was charged with three counts of possessing child pornography, two counts each of video voyeurism and obscenity, and one count of obstructing justice, WAFB-TV reported.

In a statement, Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard said he fired 44-year-old Dennis Perkins, who had been with the department for 17 years, when he learned of the charges.

"I understand this was a veteran law enforcement officer, one who had dedicated a lot of time and effort into this community, but as I have said in the past – no one is above the law," the statement read, in part. "This type of alleged behavior will not be tolerated by me or anyone at the LPSO. I do not condone these alleged acts. I am disappointed. I have always considered Denny a friend and a family member."

Cynthia Perkins, 34, taught at Westside Junior High School until she resigned Wednesday, the Advocate reported.

"Livingston Parish Public School officials became aware of the investigation early this morning and met with the employee, at which time the resignation was rendered and accepted," the school district told the newspaper in a statement, adding that officials are "committed to the safety and security of all students and employees."

The district will continue to work with investigators, the statement continued.

Dennis Perkins is being held on $1,675,000 bond, while Cynthia Perkins' bond was set at $500,000, according to the Advocate.

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