What is going on in Calcasieu and Beauregard?

How can someone be arrested and indicted for all of these charges but not even face trial?

A former Lake Charles Charter Academy teacher, Deidre Rae Smith, was arrested in May 2019 and charged with first-degree rape and indecent behavior with a juvenile.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s detectives investigated allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a 10-year-old student that reportedly began in late 2018. Authorities stated that Smith allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim.

In June 2019, Smith was re-arrested following further investigation that revealed additional alleged incidents in 2019 involving the same juvenile. Additional charges included multiple counts of first-degree rape, indecent behavior with a juvenile, sexual battery, and oral sexual battery.

A grand jury in Calcasieu Parish returned an indictment in July 2019 on charges including indecent behavior with a juvenile, multiple counts of first-degree rape, oral sexual battery, and sexual battery involving a victim under 13.

In August 2019, Smith faced arrest in Beauregard Parish on an additional charge of first-degree rape. Authorities reported that she allegedly crossed parish lines with the same victim in April 2019.

A Beauregard Parish grand jury indicted Smith in January 2020 on one count of first-degree rape.

A criminal trial was scheduled for April 2021 but did not proceed as planned. Conviction on first-degree rape carries a potential sentence of life in prison.

As of 2026, public records show Smith is registered as a Tier 1 sex offender, is not incarcerated, and a listed work address is associated with a Lake Charles church.

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