A respected Monroe educator and pastor is behind bars following an undercover operation by the Louisiana State Police and the FBI that targeted the sexual trafficking of minors.
Authorities confirmed that 43-year-old Boris J. Braggs, a fourth-grade math teacher at Robinson Elementary School and pastor of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in West Monroe, was arrested on September 24 after allegedly arranging to meet who he believed was a 15-year-old girl for sex.
There were no children or any actual victims involved in the sting operation, leading many to question the charges Braggs ultimately imposed against Braggs.
The Sting Operation
According to court documents, undercover officers posted an online advertisement on a site often used for commercial sex. The ad featured photos of female undercover officers with a caption suggesting one of them had a younger “mini.”
The ad contained photos of two Undercover Law Enforcement Officers (UC’s) with the caption: “Sexy hot girls in town for a few days in calls only. Me and my mini are in town hit us up. NO POLICE.” The ad contained four photos of the UC’s with emojis placed over their faces and a phone number they could be reached at.
At 4:09 PM, the suspect, Boris Braggs, messaged the number regarding the ad asking if they were available. The UC explained she was unavailable, but her ‘mini’ was available. She went in detail that her ‘mini’ was 15 years old. According to court records, Braggs responded, “U must b trying to get me put in jail. I sent her a message we will see if she responds.”
The UC posing as the 15-year-old female received a message from Braggs shortly after, “Hey how r u?” He went on to say he was looking to “hook up later however I was told your age and I’m like, I’m not trying to get in trouble.” He asked about the meet-up being full service (street slang for sexual intercourse). Braggs asked for full-body photos and monetary rates. After being told the range of prices, Braggs said he was nervous due to her age, but asked her what she would do sexually.
After an explicit exchange, Braggs expressed his nervousness again about her age, following up by asking if the planned meeting would be a setup. Braggs confirmed the UC sex worker was in the Monroe area and confirmed an appointment/meetup at 9:30 PM.
At 8:45 PM, Braggs arrived at the pre-determined meetup spot for the purpose of engaging in commercial sexual activity for the agreed price from what he believed to be a 15-year-old female. He was then detained by awaiting law enforcement.
Braggs was booked into a detention center without bond. He faces multiple charges, including:
- Trafficking Children for Sex
- Indecent Behavior with Juveniles
- Computer-aided Solicitation of a Minor
- Attempted Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile
School Board Response
The Ouachita Parish School Board issued a statement on September 25 acknowledging Braggs’ arrest. The statement emphasized that the incident did not occur on school grounds and that Braggs will not be allowed on campus pending the investigation.
“This employee is not on school campus and will not be allowed on campus. The safety of our students and faculty remains our top priority,” the district said.
Community Reaction
The arrest stunned many in the Monroe and West Monroe communities, where Braggs had built a reputation as both an educator and a faith leader. He frequently preached at Calvary Baptist Church and was known for urging young people to avoid crime and remain vigilant against predators. Until the sting, he had no known history of criminal activity.
Parents, parishioners, and colleagues expressed shock and dismay, describing Braggs as a man who was deeply involved in guiding children academically and spiritually.
What’s Next
Braggs remains in custody as the case unfolds. Prosecutors are expected to pursue the charges to the fullest extent of the law. Louisiana State Police said the operation is part of an ongoing crackdown on child exploitation in the region.
