On September 6, 2023, Jefferson Davis Sheriff's detectives met with administrators of the Jefferson Davis Parish School system to investigate the complaint of theft which involved a former school employee. 

Detectives learned that the former school secretary. Shawntele Marie Simon, 44, had been late with normal accounting paperwork and had not closed out the books for the 2022-2023 school year until later in the summer. 

An audit of the school financial records began on September 5, 2023.  Discrepancies in bank deposit amounts and cash donations not deposited were found, along with no records of any deposit of gate or concessions for any sporting event which occurred during the summer. Detectives received the audit information from the school CFO and initiated a criminal investigation.  At the time of the report, a total of ($9,200) was discovered to be missing during the audit.      

   On September 7, 2023, Detectives petitioned the Thirty-First (31st) Judicial District Honorable Judge, Steve Gunnell, for an arrest warrant based on the information stated above.

A warrant was issued for Ms. Simon. Shawntele Marie Simon was booked into the parish jail on September 11, 2023, for violation of Louisiana revised statute 14:67. B. (2) Theft-value of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more, but less than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) and Louisiana revised statute 14:134 Malfeasance in office.