An after-school basketball game at Iberville Elementary School in Plaquemine, Louisiana, turned violent
last week, leading to two women being arrested and one principal hospitalized.
Principal Intervenes to Protect Young Children
The incident began when the school principal noticed two young children wandering onto the basketball
court. Concerned for their safety, she moved them away from the active game several times... Continue reading here ▶
Mother Objects to Principal’s Request
The principal then asked a mother, later identified as 33-year-old Alessia Parker, to
keep her children off the court so they wouldn’t disrupt the game. According to surveillance footage
and statements from Plaquemine Police Chief Stephen Engolio, Parker became upset and confronted the
principal.
In the video, the principal raises her hand to keep Parker from getting too close. Parker then appears
to hit the principal, knocking her to the floor. A deputy from the Iberville Sheriff’s Department
immediately stepped in to separate them.
Principal Hospitalized, Returns to Work Next Day
The principal was treated for a head injury and a cut on her lip at a local hospital. She was able to
return to work the next day. “She’s okay now,” said Chief Engolio, “but it was a pretty brutal attack.”
Charges Against Parker
Parker turned herself in the following day. She was charged with resisting officers, disturbing the
peace, and felony battery of a school teacher. Both Plaquemine Police and the Iberville Sheriff’s
Department declined to comment on the matter when contacted.
Second Woman Also Arrested
Another woman at the game, 37-year-old Jemecia Godchaux, was also arrested. Chief
Engolio says she was “egging it on” and making threats. Godchaux was booked on undisclosed charges
and had at least one outstanding bench warrant.
School District Responds
Iberville Parish School Board Superintendent Dr. Louis Voiron stated that the district “would not
tolerate” the behavior shown by Parker and Godchaux. Both women have been banned from all schools
in the district.
