Former Chesterton Teacher Charged With Child Solicitation
Former CHS instructional assistant and teacher charged with child seduction
A former instructional assistant and teacher at Chesterton High School was arrested today, Monday, Oct. 2, on a charge of child seduction, three counts; and obstruction of justice, one count, the Chesterton Police Department is reporting.
Dakota McCoy, 30, of Valparaiso, was taken into custody without incident by the Porter County Sheriff’s Police, who served an arrest warrant issued this morning.
Child seduction is a Level 5 felony, punishable by a term of one to six years. Obstruction of justice is a Level 6 felony, punishable by a term of six to 30 months.
McCoy’s arrest follows two separate investigations—both a criminal and an internal school investigation—initiated simultaneously on Sept. 14, after a CHS graduate alleged an inappropriate relationship with McCoy while the student was still enrolled at Chesterton High School.
“Since the time these serious allegations came to light, the Chesterton Police Department’s Investigative Division has made this investigation its top priority,” Police Chief Tim Richardson said. “Porter County Prosecuting Attorney Gary Germann and his staff as well as the Duneland Schools administration have provided the CPD with invaluable assistance, particularly in establishing a timeline of McCoy’s employment with the Duneland School Corporation. The existence of this criminal investigation was not previously disclosed to preserve its integrity, until probable cause had been formally determined by a judge in a court of law.”
“This case remains an ongoing criminal investigation and, as such, no additional information will be released at this time,” Richardson added. “The Chesterton Police Department continues to search for any additional witnesses, or current or former students, who may have information regarding the allegations against McCoy. I urge anyone with information to please contact either the CPD’s Investigative Division or any Duneland School Resource Officer.”
Det. Cpl. Chris Schoof and Patrol Det. Cpl. Arwen LaMotte are the lead investigators in this case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact either of them at 219-926-1136.
Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
For questions or additional information regarding this press release, contact Police Chief Tim Richardson at 219-926-1136.
STATEMENT RELEASED BY DSC SUPERINTENDENT CHIP PETTIT
At 3:12 p.m. today, Duneland School Corporation Superintendent Chip Pettit released the following statement to parents, students, and staff:
“The Duneland School Corporation (DSC) is committed to ensuring a safe and accountable learning environment for all students. On Sept. 14, 2023, a former student provided information about an alleged inappropriate previous relationship between herself and a Chesterton High School (CHS) instructional assistant, Dakota McCoy, that occurred more than five years ago. Upon receipt of this information, an investigation involving local law enforcement ensued and the employee (now a teacher at CHS) was immediately removed from the classroom. Subsequently, the teacher’s employment with the corporation was terminated.
“Since the allegation was made, DSC has been cooperating with local law enforcement and the Porter County Prosecutor. Today, we received authorization from the Porter County Prosecutor to share this information. We will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement and the Porter County Prosecutor’s pursuit of this matter. Given that the matter is part of a criminal prosecution, we are unable to provide further comment.
“The safety of our students is non-negotiable and we are dedicated to maintaining a nurturing and secure learning environment. The allegations concerning this staff member are contrary to the ideals, standards and expectations of our school culture and community.”
