Madeleine Lewis, the former Director of Enrollment and Marketing at Northlake Christian School in Covington, was indicted by a St. Tammany Parish grand jury on August 20, 2025, on one count of theft over $25,000, with prosecutors alleging she carried out a series of monetary thefts from the private school.1NOLA.com. Former Northlake Christian School Employee Indicted for Theft
The Charge
The indictment is a single count of theft over $25,000 under Louisiana law. It was brought by the office of J. Collin Sims, District Attorney for Louisiana’s 22nd Judicial District.2Collins Sims DA. St. Tammany Parish Grand Jury Returns Three Indictments Prosecutors described the alleged conduct as “a series of monetary thefts” and “unauthorized spending” at the school, but declined to say how the money was taken or from which accounts.1NOLA.com. Former Northlake Christian School Employee Indicted for Theft The DA’s office said it handled the investigation directly and received “meaningful cooperation from the school’s Board of Directors.”
How the Allegations Surfaced
Lewis oversaw marketing and admissions at Northlake Christian School, a private non-denominational Christian school in Covington.3WDSU. Former Northlake Christian School Employee Indicted for Theft The school parted ways with her in 2024, and according to communications the board sent to parents, the alleged misuse of funds was uncovered that fall.1NOLA.com. Former Northlake Christian School Employee Indicted for Theft The grand jury indictment followed roughly a year later.
What Lewis Faces
Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:67 sets the maximum penalty for theft of $25,000 or more at 20 years imprisonment at hard labor, a fine of up to $50,000, or both.4Louisiana State Legislature. RS 14:67 – Theft The statute allows prosecutors to aggregate the value of multiple distinct acts when determining the grade of the offense, which matters here because the DA’s office has framed the allegations as a series rather than a single incident.
Fallout at Northlake
In the same notice to parents that disclosed the indictment, the board announced the immediate departure of Head of School Glenn Martin and Associate Head of School Ben Warner.3WDSU. Former Northlake Christian School Employee Indicted for Theft School spokesperson Mandy Fraher said the two departures were “not part of the allegations of misuse of funds” and that neither man was suspected or accused of criminal wrongdoing.1NOLA.com. Former Northlake Christian School Employee Indicted for Theft The board thanked Martin for having “successfully led our school through a season of immense change and growth” and named Sean Englert and Nick Chetta interim co-heads while it searched for a permanent replacement.
The board called it “a challenging and deeply unfortunate season” for the school, pledged full cooperation with the DA’s investigation, and committed to “more open communication and transparency” going forward.1NOLA.com. Former Northlake Christian School Employee Indicted for Theft3WDSU. Former Northlake Christian School Employee Indicted for Theft
Where the Case Stands
Lewis is represented by attorney Garrison Jordan.1NOLA.com. Former Northlake Christian School Employee Indicted for Theft No arraignment, plea, or trial date was reported at the time the indictment was announced. The school has not publicly filed a civil suit to recover the alleged stolen funds, and no restitution agreement has been disclosed.