St. Martinville — St. Martin Parish Sheriff's officials reported the arrest of Luther Frederick for the charge of child molestation on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

Frederick, 67, was employed by the St. Martin Parish School Board at the Sheriff's Juvenile Detention Center facility located on Hwy. 96 outside of St. Martinville.

According to Maj. Ginny Higgins, the arrest was for the offense of molestation of a juvenile and involved incidents at the Juvenile Detention Center where the suspect had been employed as a teacher and counselor.

Assistant District Attorney Chester Cedars said there are no prosecutorial details yet available.

St. Martin Parish School Board Superintendent Richard Lavergne said his office has received allegations on charges, but did not comment on Frederick citing that the case is a "personnel matter" and is avoiding any impedance on the investigation.

Lavergne told Teche News Frederick had previously retired, but was rehired a couple of years ago for the position at the Juvenile Detention Center. Frederick retired once again on his own accord on Jan. 27, 2009, Lavergne said.

Lafayette attorney Allan Durand, who is representing Frederick said his understanding of the case is that there was a dispute with one of the juvenile detainees that may led to these charges.

Though no timeline was given on the case, Durand said that the incident occurred shortly before Frederick was planning to retire.

Frederick was not available by phone to comment.