West St. Mary principal arrested on theft charge

West St. Mary High School Principal Donald Sanders III has been placed on administrative leave after his arrest Thursday on a theft charge.
Sanders, 41, of Franklin was arrested at 9:42 a.m. Thursday on a charge of theft between $1,000 and $5,000.
The St. Mary Sheriff's Office said in its daily arrest report that a detective answered a theft report at West S. Mary. "An investigation was opened, and Sanders was developed as the suspect in a theft of money at the school," the Sheriff's Office said.
Detectives obtained a warrant for Sanders’ arrest and made contact with him on Thursday morning. He was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail has not been set.
The St. Mary school system issued this statement:
"St. Mary Parish Schools was made aware of the arrest of West St. Mary High School Principal Donald Sanders III by the St. Mary Parish Sherriff’s office earlier today. While the school system does not comment on personnel matters given the strict confidentiality associated with such matters, Superintendent Teresa Bagwell can confirm that Mr. Sanders has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending results of the investigation.
"Ms. Ashley Clark, who currently serves as the school’s assistant principal, will assume the position of 'acting' principal in the interim."