SLIDELL, La. (WGNO) — A former Slidell pastor convicted on cruelty to juveniles charges has been found guilty. According to the Office of District Attorney Collin Sims, 62-year-old John Raymond was found guilty of multiple charges in connection to two incidents reported in 2022. In March of 2022, Slidell Police Department officers said several parents of students at Lakeside Christian Academy expressed their anger after Raymond allegedly “reprimanded” their sons for speaking in class. Raymond, who was the founder and headmaster of the school, claimed he was administering appropriate discipline to "misbehaving students. Court documents revealed witnesses to his actions said they attempted to keep him out of disciplinary matters due to his "excessive" methods, referring to him as the school's “disciplinarian.” According to court documents, parents said Raymond gave their sons the choice of expulsion or punishment which was noted to be "having strong-adhesive shipping tape wrapped around their heads to cover their mouths" and would send the students back to class with a warning. School Principal Buffie Singletary was alerted to Raymond's actions and demanded the tape's removal, according to court documents. Raymond was later arrested on three counts of cruelty to juveniles. Further investigations led detectives to discover an incident involving a 4-year-old pre-K student. Deputies state the student had become irritable; and wouldn't settle down for nap time. His behavior reportedly turned into a tantrum. He was taken to the principal's office where Raymond allegedly knelt down and placed his hand over the child's mouth and nostrils until his body went limp, according to the teacher. When asked why the incident was not immediately reported, staff said Raymond "maintained a culture of intimidation." After less than an hour of deliberations, Raymond was found guilty on a count of second-degree cruelty and three counts of cruelty to juveniles. East Baton Rouge sheriff: Shooting leaves 3 dead, 2 facing charges Raymond faces the possibility of 50 years in prison. Sentencing is set for Oct. 23. Latest Posts Chastain passes Truex on late restart to win NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway Highway shooting in Baton Rouge leaves one dead, car crash leads to others hurt Kris Kristofferson, country music superstar and actor, dies at 88 Lawmakers race to avoid farm bill disaster Bistro Byronz Mid-City location reopens as Brasserie Byronz, serves French-American cuisine and cocktails