Former school head accused of child sexual abuse

By Bonnie Bolden
News Star
December 20, 2016

http://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/crime/2016/12/20/former-school-head-accused-child-sexual-abuse/95658586/

David H. Derousse

David H. "Dave" DeRousse, 69, of West Monroe, recently was arrested in St. Clair County, Illinois.

As reported by the Belleville News-Democrat: State’s Attorney Brendan Kelly said DeRousse was charged with seven felony counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving a 10-year-old girl and a 12-year-old girl.

According to a news release, DeRousse “knowingly committed an act of sexual conduct” with the minors. Court records allege that the abuse happened between August 2014 and August 2016. The Mascoutah Police Department investigated the case.

Bail for DeRousse was set at $75,000. Mascoutah police said the man turned himself in Dec. 13 and posted bond.

Court records indicated that the case has pending grand jury actions.

DeRousse served as president of St. Frederick Catholic High School in Monroe from 1996 to 1999. DeRousse coached locally, including a stint as the assistant varsity basketball coach at then-Northeast Louisiana University in the 1970s.

Ouachita Parish Schools Superintendent Don Coker said the parish cannot confirm whether DeRousse was employed in any capacity with the system. He was not listed as a full-time employee with benefits, and Coker said DeRousse acted as a local basketball official for high school games.

The Diocese of Shreveport, in a news release, said it learned Tuesday of the felony sexual abuse charges.

Diocesan Superintendent of Schools, Sister Carol Shively said, “in Mr. DeRousse’s three years of employment with St. Frederick’s, we have no record of any misconduct in this regard.”

All diocesan schools and places of worship remain committed to the guidelines of established Safe Environment policies.

“We all feel a deep sadness whenever allegations of sexual abuse are brought forward under any circumstances,” said Bishop Michael G. Duca. “Our compassion and prayers go out to all associated with these charges.”