THIBODAUX (LA)
WWLTV [New Orleans, LA]
July 15, 2026
By Athina Morris
A 47-year-old woman is accused of witnessing the alleged abuse and failing to report it.
A pastor at a Thibodaux church has been arrested in Terrebonne Parish on charges including felony sexual battery and cruelty to juveniles as authorities investigate allegations of physical and sexual abuse involving children, authorities said.
The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office identified 57-year-old Thomas J. Tucker III of Houma as a suspect in the case. Investigators also arrested 47-year-old Sharotta Lewis of Houma, accusing her of witnessing the alleged abuse and failing to report it.
The investigation began after child abuse allegations involving Terrebonne Parish juveniles were reported to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, according to the sheriff’s office. Detectives with the Special Victims Unit and child protection investigators conducted interviews and gathered evidence.
Authorities say Tucker identified himself as a pastor with Outcast of Society Ministries in Thibodaux, where some of the alleged abuse is believed to have occurred.
Tucker faces charges including cruelty to juveniles, felony sexual battery, two counts of indecent behavior with juveniles, misdemeanor sexual battery and simple battery.
https://www.facebook.com/TerrebonneParishSO/posts/1337831195106580?ref=embed_post
Lewis faces charges including cruelty to juveniles, principal to felony sexual battery, principal to indecent behavior with juveniles, principal to misdemeanor sexual battery and simple battery.
Both are being held at the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex on $602,000 bonds.
The sheriff’s office says the children involved have been placed in a safe environment. Additional details about the allegations have not been released because the investigation is ongoing.
Sheriff Tim Soignet said investigators believe there may be additional victims or people with information about the case.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit at (985) 876-2500, or submit an anonymous tip through Bayou Region Crime Stoppers.