Rapides Parish school coach and bus driver arrested in human trafficking investigation

ALEXANDRIA, La. - A Rapides Parish school bus driver and coach was arrested Friday following an undercover investigation into human trafficking of children, according to Louisiana State Police.

Esaw Owens III, 37, was arrested after the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and FBI conducted an undercover chat operation around Alexandria.

Investigators said undercover officers communicated with Owens about sexual acts in exchange for money.

Owens was arrested on charges of human trafficking of children for sexual purposes and purchase of commercial sexual activity. He was booked into the Rapides Parish Correctional Facility.

State police said Owens is employed by the Rapides Parish School Board as a coach and bus driver.

State police said no additional information is available at this time.