A recently hired Louisiana Tech music visiting professor has been arrested in connection with an investigation into indecent behavior with a juvenile.
Monte A. Garrett, 53, was taken into custody by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Wednesday morning following a joint investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Louisiana Bureau of Investigations (LBI), and the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Earlier this month, investigators were informed that Garrett had been communicating with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old female. The conversation(s) were of sexual content and nature. LBI and LPSO became involved in the investigation last week. An arrest warrant was secured for Garrett.
According to Louisiana Tech’s website, Dr. Garrett serves as Visiting Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education and Interim Director of Choral Activities.
Garrett joined the Tech faculty in September. Prior teaching appointments included Weatherford High School, Howard Payne University, and Cisco Junior College, all in Texas. In addition to conducting Tech’s Chamber Singers and University Choir, he was also assigned to teach elementary, intermediate, and choral conducting.
Bail was set at $100,000.
In a separate investigation, LBI and LPSO arrested Ralph Richards for Possession of Pornography Involving Juveniles. Richards became the subject of an investigation following a tip submitted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). LPSO detectives and LBI agents took Richards in to custody and he was transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
Bail was set at $75,000.
“We are thankful for everyone who participated in this investigation and work tirelessly to rid our communities from child predators”, said Sheriff Stephen Williams. This investigation is on-going and more charges are possible.
The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office is member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Since joining, we have hosted numerous trainings for state and local law enforcement and prosecutors to aid in their investigations involving the sexual exploitation of children. The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office has a website where parents can get tips on how to keep their children and families safe online. A link has been provided below.
