Jiba Raj Acharya, former assistant professor of chemistry, was arrested on Aug. 6 for allegedly engaging in illegal activity with a juvenile over the Internet.   Detective Brandon Trahan with the Franklin Police Department said a parent from Franklin had reason to believe their daughter was engaging in indecent behavior with Acharya over the Internet through the use of instant messenger. The Franklin Police Department Criminal Investigations Technology Unit, along with Louisiana State Police Troop I, Thibodaux Police Department and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint investigation on the accusations against Acharya for several months.   Acharya was arrested and charged with two counts each of computer-aided solicitation of a minor for sexual purposes, attempted possession of pornography involving juveniles, and indecent behavior with juveniles.   Prior to complaints filed by the family in Franklin, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office had an arrest warrant for Acharyafor the same charges that stemmed from another underage female.   According to St. Mary Parish Jail information, Acharya remains in the St. Mary Parish jail with a set bond of $180,000.  His next court appearance in St. Mary Parish is scheduled for Oct. 3. Acharya received his Ph.D. from Louisiana State University in 2011 with a specialization in organic and analytical chemistry and taught in the Nicholls physical sciences department for one year.   Acharya was scheduled to teach one section of Chemistry 105 and three sections of Chemistry 109 during the fall 2012 semester.  These courses are still offered but under different instructors.   Eugene Dial, vice president of student affairs, said, “The University has no reason to believe that anything that happened had anything to do with his work environment.”   A University press release stated the Nicholls Administration remains committed to providing a safe environment for all age groups, especially juveniles.  All of Acharya’s possessions, both personal and work-related, have been secured for police investigation.   University Police Chief Craig Jaccuzzo said Louisiana law requires sex offenders who attend the University to register with University police. There are four current and past Nicholls students who have registered as sex offenders with University Police at free will.     “If an individual fails to register, we can arrest them,” Jaccuzzo said. http://www.thenichollsworth.co...