A former Survivor contestant is on trial in Louisiana this week. John Raymond is facing felony charges of child cruelty at Lakeside Christian Academy, which he founded. So, what evidence is there against him? Here is what has been revealed about his case.
John Raymond On Trial For Child Cruelty
The Survivor alum is fighting for his reputation in court this week. A local district attorney’s office alleges that John Raymond had taped children’s mouths shut at the Christian school he founded. He also allegedly held his hand over one child’s mouth until they “went limp.”
For his defense, John and his lawyers say that “what he did, as a disciplinarian, was reasonably discipline the children. They were not hurt.”
John has come forward to say, “I’ve never treated a child cruel [sic] in my life. I’m innocent of the charges against me. I love all of our students. We believe that the law will prevail, and we’ll be completely exonerated.”
Christina Fisher, the Assistant District Attorney, believes there is a solid case against the Survivor alum. She stated that his actions against the students who were in his care speak for themselves.
“His actions weren’t justifiable. They were criminal,” Christina said during her opening remarks. “He put tape over their mouths and sent them back to class … where they sat, humiliated. The principal didn’t approve. Neither did the parents.”
The prosecution is arguing that John did both physical and emotional harm to the children involved.
Survivor Alum Defends His Actions
Lakeside Christian Academy was founded in 2016. John Raymond served as the headmaster until the felony charges were brought against him in 2022. In addition to his work at the school, John is the pastor at New Horizon Church. The church is located in the same building as the school.
Survivor fans may recognize John from Survivor: Thailand. This was the reality show’s fifth season and it aired in 2002. He was known as “Pastor John” on the show and was the first person to be voted off the island. During his short time on the show, he was known to be really irritating and hard to get along with. So, it’s no wonder as to why he got the boot fast.
However, John Raymond’s attorney is telling a different story. Joseph Long, who is representing John in his upcoming child cruelty trial, spoke about his position in the community.
“People in the community know that he has spent his whole life trying to make this a better place,” Joseph Long said of his client. “He didn’t wake up one day and decide to abuse children.”
Joe Long has also gone on to say that John was well within his rights to discipline the children at the school as he saw fit. In fact, he argues that John’s behavior lines up with the “biblical teaching and principles of Christian education.”
Amanda Blankenship is an overcaffeinated wife and mother. When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her watching reality TV or a good, juicy drama series.