Volunteer high school wrestling coach charged with molestation of a juvenile

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — An East Baton Rouge Parish volunteer high school wrestling coach was arrested and charged with molestation of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile.

Aujyri Harris, 21, of Addis was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on Monday.

East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office deputies started an investigation on Feb. 5 regarding a coach allegedly having a sexual encounter with a student. Deputies interviewed a 16-year-old student who was on the school’s wrestling team. Arrest documents said the teen talked to Harris through text messages and Snapchat.

Deputies obtained employee records from the school board office that showed Harris signed documents for a non-faculty coach position in October 2024. As of December 2024, Harris was employed by the Central Community School District, according to LHSAA records.

The school system shared the following statement with Louisiana First News.

“We are aware that a volunteer coach for the Central High School wrestling team was arrested by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.

“This individual has never been an employee of the Central Community School System.

“This individual will no longer be involved in any capacity within the school system.

“Our school system will cooperate fully with EBRSO in its investigation. All questions should be directed to EBRSO.”
Central Community School District spokesperson

Detectives interviewed Harris on Feb. 14. He told deputies everything about him and the teenager was a rumor. Shortly after, Harris admitted to engaging in an emotional relationship with the teen and exchanging text messages. Arrest documents said Harris denied any sexual contact between the two but accused the teen of touching him and trying to kiss him.

According to an affidavit, a search warrant of Harris’ phone revealed his search history, which included a Google search for “age of consent in Louisiana.”

Harris’ bond amount is $9,500, according to jail records.

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