Dakota Ray McCoy, 33, of Valparaiso, has been sentenced after pleading guilty in a case involving a sexual relationship with a student while he worked as a teacher and coach at Chesterton High School.
According to court documents, McCoy entered into a plea agreement in which he pleaded guilty to Child Seduction, a Level 5 Felony, and Obstruction of Justice, a Level 6 Felony. Two additional child seduction charges were dismissed as part of the agreement.
The charges stem from an investigation in which a victim reported that the relationship began during her sophomore year of high school and continued through her senior year. She told investigators there were approximately fifty sexual encounters and that she was 16 or 17 years old at the time.
Court records also state McCoy later attempted to influence the victim to lie about the relationship during a prior school inquiry.
As part of the plea agreement, McCoy is required to register as a sex offender, complete 240 hours of community service, and undergo evaluations and treatment as conditions of probation.
On April 17, 2026, a judge sentenced McCoy to five years in the Indiana Department of Correction on the child seduction charge, with three and one-half years suspended to probation. He was also sentenced to one year on the obstruction of justice charge, with six months suspended. The sentences are to be served consecutively.
The court further ordered McCoy to register as a sex offender, undergo HIV testing with results reported to the court, probation, and the victim, and complete treatment programs as directed.
Court documents show the judge found the harm caused to the victim was greater than necessary, identifying it as an aggravating factor in sentencing.
Lodged in the Porter County Jail on April 17,2026.
