Former Ascension Episcopal School Counselor Sentenced in Federal Court for Attempting to Entice a Minor to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity
Defendant Receives 30 Years in Prison and was Ordered to Pay $279,454

LAFAYETTE, LA—United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today the sentencing of Dr. Allison Hargrave, 40, of Lafayette, La., a former counselor at Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette. U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik sentenced Hargrave to 30 years in prison followed by 20 years’ supervised release for attempting to entice a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. The judge also ordered Hargrave to pay restitution in the amount of $279,454.00 to the minor victim.

According to court testimony, Hargrave, who was a counselor and yoga instructor at Ascension Episcopal School, began counseling a 14-year-old minor female in the spring of 2009. The relationship between the defendant and the minor female continued through the summer of 2009. In the fall of 2009, Hargrave began texting and e-mailing the minor female student, graphically discussing engaging in sexual activities with the minor and making plans to meet the minor to engage in the sexual activities. In the fall of 2009, the defendant raped the minor female in a medical office in Lafayette, La. Hargrave continued to sexually exploit the minor female throughout 2009 and into January 2010. After engaging in sexual activities during this time, Hargrave continued to text and e-mail the minor female, graphically discussing matters of a sexual nature.

United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley stated: “This case reflects the serious consequences and fallout of individuals who sexually abuse minors. The harm done to children is long range and often irreversible. The actions of this defendant are disturbing and the sentence is justified. This case is a testament to the hard work of our Project Safe Childhood Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke Walker, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lafayette Resident Agency. My office is committed to protecting the children of this district by vigorously prosecuting those who try to exploit them. We will use all legal means to our avail to bring them to justice.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lafayette Resident Agency, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Luke Walker.