Elkhart teacher charged with child seduction arraigned Wednesday
Elkhart teacher charged with child seduction arraigned Wednesday Save Email Print
Posted: 4:10 PM Nov 18, 2008
 Last Updated: 4:44 PM Nov 19, 2008
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An Elkhart teacher has been charged with child seduction after allegedly having an affair with a student.

He was arraigned Wednesday.

The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office says 36-year-old Dennis Jay is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old female student at Elkhart Central High School.

He faces three counts of felony child seduction. His first court date has been set for December 3rd.
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Posted by: anonymous Location: bloomington on Dec 16, 2008 at 01:21 PM
I graduated from Memorial in '06 and had Mr. Jay for History. One of the best teachers I've had. I also know this girl and all I can say is she knew exactly what she was doing. The blame cannot all be put on DJ! I'm not saying what he did was right, but give the guy a break. They are BOTH adults.
Posted by: A Location: South Bend on Dec 3, 2008 at 05:51 PM
I also knew Dennis in the college days. Yes, he was a DJ at Coaches(now Main street pub) and yes he almost died from alcohol poisoning and was on a daytime TALK SHOW. He was a super fun guy and was always friendly. I actually went to a New Year's Eve Party he hosted and it was awesome. I don't remember him ever having a girlfriend, so maybe he went after a 17 year old because he was trying to relive H.S. or something. I can't really comment on the dynamics of the relationship. The sexual relationship didn't begin while he was her teacher, it was after the fact as friends. However the fact that she was under the age of 18 is a big NO NO. I don't know if she lied and said she was 18 or if he knew or didn't know. I don't know if the girl is a senior or a junior. If he knew whe was a minor then he should accept the consequences. I'm just in shoke that someone I knew/know and once hung out with is in this situation. Very sad!!
Posted by: L Location: Elkhart on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:18 PM
I graduated 06 and Jay was one of my teachers. One of my best actually. Hes a great guy and I know a lot of people who no this poor innocent 17 year old and say she quite the opposite. She's the the victim here. I'm a girl and I see how some of these high school girls dress and it makes me what to call there mothers. Its completely ridiculous to put of the blame on him she got off her happy 17 year old ass and drove all the way to mishawaka didn't she? She knew what she was doing and what i've heard is quite proud of the whole situation. Its terrible Jay made this choice and its not right at all, but dammit she's not in the right either. She's 17 not 10 she knew what she was doing and just didn't care. He's humiliated, can't teach, and has lost respect of a lot of people. She's probably walking around LOVING all the attention.
Posted by: Coach's Location: Ball State on Nov 20, 2008 at 07:59 PM
My wife and I knew Denise in college. If you partied at coach's in the late 90's, he was a DJ, no pun intended, there. Sounds like he never grew up. Looks like Bubba will be getting a new prison B soon.
Posted by: Anon on Nov 20, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Hey Anonymous from MI 5:52 pm: Have you ever lived in an apartment? I used to live at Indian Lakes and I could hear EVERY WORD of my neighbors' conversations as well as smelling all of their weed and cigarette smoke. It sounds like this neighbor did everything he could to rectify the situation with mgmt but, just like my experience, they ignored it. This student could have parked right in front of the entryway and he probably noticed it as he was walking to the door. Wait a minute, is this Dennis?!
Posted by: Parent Location: Elkhart on Nov 20, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Well now that the girl is 18 why is her name not released? Sounds like she also needs parental control. His parents must be totally mortified.
Posted by: ashlee Location: elkhart on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:54 AM
excuse me but you can leave jeremy linns name outa this. you have no idea what evern happened with that. thank u!
Posted by: to koontz lake Location: granger on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:51 AM
you are right it happens and it is wrong anyway you look at it. But there are some teachers that have football players come over and work in their yard, flirt openly with male students in the classroom because they are on football team. This happen to my son when he was in school at Penn. It was well known amoung the parents this was happening and amoung the staff, but nothing was done. Nothing happen with my son but who knows about others kids. So it is not just with girls in the schools, boys are targeted too. But what is worse, I believe this teacher is still teaching. So I guess it is ok to act this way with students just as long as you not take it to the next level. Messed up society.
Posted by: To Me Location: granger on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:15 AM
I was not lumping all teachers into that category. There are a lot of great teachers in schools. I also think most teachers do a good job and I comment the hard work they do everyday. But there is a lot of stuff going on out there that we all need to be aware of and there are some teachers that should not be teaching.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Koontz Lake on Nov 20, 2008 at 06:43 AM
When I went to school. I had a history teacher who was having an affair with a student. It is going to happen anywhere!! Not just Elkhart schools. It is wrong anyway you look at it!!! But it happens.
Posted by: The facts on Nov 20, 2008 at 01:45 AM
If he was not a teacher, he would not be going to jail. If he was a college professor and the girl was a student there, he would not be going to jail. So why do our laws criminalize something that are only wrong because he is a teacher? Was he even her teacher? I don't agree with what happened but the laws wouldn't be able to do anything against someone as low as the age of 16.
Posted by: Slade Location: Mishawaka on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:40 PM
I think you should blame All the teachers. Every teacher is a sick person..so how does that sound to all you pervert teachers. Sounds stupid doesn't it. It is stupid...its about as stupid as you teachers back in the 60's putting the blame on every service man and woman as being a "baby killer!" You don't like it do you, well neither did we.
Posted by: CMG Location: Elkhart on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:21 PM
Last i checked when your 17 you should kno right from wrong. If you were to commit a crime at 17 you would be charged as an adult correct. so how can they charge this man with child seduction. apparently she was just as involved as he was. sounds like a student who was looking for some notority and prayed upon this teacher.
Posted by: J Location: Elkhart on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:31 PM
I agree with Amanda. I have also been in the Elkhart Community Schools system since kindergarten. I am a graduate of the class of 2008. I had many amazing teachers who influenced me to do everything that I have done. One teacher is not a reflection of the school system. Yes, he should have represented the system better but the choices he made were personal choices that could be made by any teacher, in any school system, anywhere in the country. I believe that I was raised well and part of that is a reflection of the schools I went to. Elkhart Community Schools are not to blame for this.
Posted by: Amanda Location: Elkhart Central on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:41 PM
You know, Im really getting sick and tired of people blaming ALL the teachers for Elkhart schooling. There are so many AMAZING teachers in this school system, I am a junior at central, and I have been in the system since kindergarten. I have had so many great teachers throughout my schooling expierence. There are going to be bad teachers and bad students anywhere you go in this country! Just like a few years ago when a PHM staff member got in trouble for the same thing. It will happen anywhere you go. PLEASE stop blaming all of the teachers in our school system, because there are some teachers in the system that have done so many wonderful things for me. There are a great amount who not only teach their students, but they also actually care about them. This may not be said for all teachers, but 95% of the teachers that I have been exposed to I know would be there for me if i really needed them. Blaming all the teachers if getting ridiculous!!!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Elkhart on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:40 PM
After reading yet another disgraceful story about the kinds of things that are happening in our schools, I am amazed that people continue to think homeschooling is a silly idea.
Posted by: MediaWatcher on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Don't you guys do any research WNDU, Elkhart fired this teacher a month ago. Perhaps your reporters should read the local newspapers. He may have been fired a month ago, but he was just officially charged with the crime on Wednesday.


Posted by: Anonymous Location: Elkhart on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Steve- where would YOU suggest I send my 3 kids to school? They all go to Elkhart Community Schools. I have not had any problems with the schools. Yes there ARE some troubled kids out there. I like to think that my husband and I are raising our children right. They know right from wrong. We are COMPLETLY involved in our childrens lives and their education. I personally think that makes a HUGE difference. If you stay involved in your childrens lives, get them in sports or after school activities, they don't have time to get into trouble. I am also all for SCHOOL UNIFORMS!!!!!!!!!!! I work at another school district and it amazes me what these kids, especially girls, wear to school. Its AWFUL!!!!!!!
Posted by: mk Location: home on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Well go ahead and bash this man like all of you did to the other teachers this past month..o wait maybe this doesn't fit into your bashing guidlines!
Posted by: Amy Location: Elkhart on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Great comment Steve...nothing like this ever happens anywhere but in Elkhart and all Elkhart teachers must be horrible sexual predators and meth addicts. Great, really helpful
Posted by: Steve Location: Notre Dame on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:36 PM
Go figure, another teacher preying on our children. Don't the schools do background checks anymore. With meth labs and sexual misconduct, why would anyone send their children to Elkhart schools?
Posted by: betrayed Location: granger on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:32 PM
This is a complete betrayal to parent's, teacher's, coaches, and studuents everywhere. I am disgusted by this person's behavior. This person is obviously mentally ill. By the looks of him, women his own age must not have been standing in line to date him. What a loser
Posted by: Anonymous Location: MI on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:52 PM
It's not totally his fault. In another article I read SHE called HIM! Then both confessed to missing each other and met up! His neighbor turned him in because he heard what he thought were 'sexual noises', saw the girls car and noticed the Elkhart school parking permit and sticker in the window. Why in the heck is the neighbor being so nosey that he has to 'inspect' her car? Maybe he was stalking her! JAIL THE NEIGHBOR!!!!!
Posted by: Mom of a Teen Girl Location: elkhart on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Do schools have written guidelines for the use of technology? Years ago, parents could keep better check on their childrens' activities. If a teacher called the home phone too often, what parent wouldn't question the teacher and the student about it? Text messaging, internet, and email have made access to our children easier for anyone--even those charged with authoritarian roles over children that can be abused. Solid guidelines need to be enacted and shared with teachers, students, and parents alike so all know when the line may be being crossed.
Posted by: Me Location: Elkhart on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:40 PM
To T in Granger...be careful about lumping all teachers into your "these people" comment. I have been teaching for almost 15 years and KNOW that I am a good teacher AND a good person who takes darn GOOD care of the children who are sent to me. Ignorant statements like yours do nothing but add fuel to an already smoldering fire and teach nothing but hate and stereotypes.
Posted by: M on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Well I Went to high school with Dennis and i just seen him a few months ago.Im not sure how he was as a coach or teacher so im not gonna judge him,but as a friend he's a nice guy and i stand behind him for support.sure he made a bad choice and also the girl did to so im gonna leave it at that.
Posted by: Scott Location: South Bend on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:47 PM
I went to Clay High School with Jay, and also that guy that did this same thing at Penn about 5 years ago? Is it Clay High? Anyway, I was also in Jays fraternity at IU. He got our fraternity kicked off campus because he almost died when he stopped breathing from alcohol poisoning. He eventually ended up on the talk show circuit talking about binge drinking. I saw him on Sally Jesse Raphael show! In high school he was a popular kid. Lots of partying that carried over to college. Looks like his life of good times has caught up with him? Good luck Dennis
Posted by: Tom Location: Osceola on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:35 PM
We need more evidence before passing judgement. Please post the girl's picture.
Posted by: Mike Location: Plymouth on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:12 PM
I agree T, but you left one thing out. This happens amongst female faculty members too, not just males as you mentioned.
Posted by: T Location: granger on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I agree when you are 17 you are not a little girl but it is easy as a teenager to get swept away and have "romantic" ideas about a situation too. I also agree the way some of these girls dress is very inappropriate. Not only is it tempting for men in the schools but for young boys. I think a lot of people might be surprised if they heard talk in teachers lounges, school functions such as dances, sporting events that goes on amoung male teachers/coaches/officers. As a parent I have over heard things at such functions and when you mention it to administration it is often brushed off or ignored. It is scary to think these people are in charge of our children and are responsible for their safety.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: osceola on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:16 PM
This happens in "good" schools too. Look at the Penn schools, and that is suppose to be one of the best districts around. What happen at Grissom was horrible with a PE teacher, but what was worse was administration knew about it and kept her there. So how many other students did she affect because of this poor decision? Yes there are teachers that should not be teaching but there are also administrators that need to be looked at more carefully. And what about the resource officers in the schools? What exactly are they doing? Isn't this part of their job to protect kids?
Posted by: Steve on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Public schools will not improve until parents, teachers, administrators and school board members work together instead of pointing fingers at each other. The blame game is getting really old and nobody wins. As for the teacher in question, if he was persued by the student, just say no. Either way what he did wrong and he needs to pay the price...
Posted by: Myrt on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:51 AM
When you are teacher there are certain situations you should steer clear from. This teacher knew EXACTLY what he was doing. Our children shouldn't be preyed on while at school. While at 17 I agree that girl should know better - the option shouldn't have been there in the first place.
Posted by: DB Location: NE Indiana on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Sorry, she's 17 and almost an adult, and probably dressed like a hooch. Most high school girls look like hookers these days anyway. Should he have acted like the adult and kept his distance? Sure, but you can't blame the guy alone. She undoubtedly teased him and didn't say no.
Posted by: H on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:36 AM
To Joe: I can appreciate your comment. There are some coaches and teachers who go out looking for this and it sounds like Dennis was one of them. When I was in 8th grade, a male student teacher would always write notes to me and stick them in my desk. I was too worried about retaliation from other students to say anything because he was the Uncle of a popular classmate. When I moved on to high school and he got a permanent position at my old middle school, I heard he did the same to another student. He just wanted to find a 14 year-old girlfriend.
Posted by: GK Location: Elkhart on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Sorry but these days it's possible it teacher seduction by child. He still should say no however! More you cannot legislate morality. It has to come from the home, and church.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:21 AM
How about being tougher on dress codes. Have you seen the way some of the girls dress? Also, do not criticize all the teachers. There are some fantastic teachers doing a great job. Just because this one was sick does not mean they all are bad. When you teach at a school like central, or any inner city schools you are dealing with a lot of issues with these kids. These kids come in with so much on their plate every day an teachers have to get past that and try to teach them. Parents do need to start stepping up and taking more responsiblity for their kids. Be sure they do homework, and become involved. That is what being a parent means. Put your child first, and a lot of parents do not do that.
Posted by: Donna on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:42 AM
I think that both parties are to blame. We need to fight for good school systems instead of just pushing the blame off on others.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:10 AM
I agree. Not the guys fault. The girl was just another stupid enough to fall for his act. She is the one who should be embarassed.
Posted by: EC Grad Location: Mishawaka on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Central is actually a really good school...much better than any of the South Bend Schools. This Dennis Jay guy taught at Mishawaka and Memorial...so I guess by your logic, those are "crappy" schools too.
Posted by: Elkhart parent on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:12 AM
I dont' why none of these news station show his picture
Posted by: anonymous Location: elkhart on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:48 AM
At 17 the girl is old enough to make the right choices. You can't put all the blame on the guy.
Posted by: To: concerned parent Location: arizona on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Don't be so sure that crappy parenting isn't part of it. You try to teach kids who cuss you out and are more interesting in drawing obscene pictures on the books than they are interested in actually using them. My first full year of teaching included students who were drug dealers (at least four), drug users (much more than four), one confirmed meth addict, and numerous others -- and that was 8th grade. Sure, there are bad teachers out there, but most of us bend over backwards to help our students, often in SPITE of those students' parents (and I use the word "parents" loosely in some cases).
Posted by: Concerned parent.... on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:51 AM
Crappy schools are due to crappy parenting? What the heck kind of comment is that? You're obviously uneducated or have never been subject to any school systems around here. Some of the teachers these days refuse to teach the kids that come into their class. Crappy schools are in part due to lazy administrators making poor choices and turning the cheek to the attitudes of teachers that don't care one bit about their students. It would help to employ those that had a passion for teaching our children. And what does this all have to do with this teacher. I am sure he did not have "sicko teacher who preys on young girls" advertised on his resume'. I hope he is caught and is punished, this type of behavior cannot be corrected, it can only be monitored.
Posted by: here in Location: south bend on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:39 AM
OH---My... what a shame, he will get alot of time for this... only if he was a female teacher having an affair with a male student, then it'd be okay????
Posted by: Joe on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:19 AM
Dennis Jay was the Mishawaka Boys soccer coach my senior year (1999) at Mishawaka. He didn't have his teaching license at the time so he couldn't have been a teacher at E.C. then. He was at Mishawaka 3 years then took over the soccer team at Elkhart Memorial for a few years and moved over to E.C. He was kind of odd when he coached at Mishawaka. He would always be watching the girls team practice rather than coaching the boys team. We played the way he coached.. Crappy.
Posted by: Chell Location: Mi on Nov 18, 2008 at 09:35 PM
I blame the internet... Don't we have to blame something since we no longer take the blame for ourselves?! he is a sick person get him some help!
Posted by: Me Location: Elkhart on Nov 18, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Jeremy Lynne and Dennis Jay will have fun in jail together. This is sad!
Posted by: scott Location: south bend on Nov 18, 2008 at 08:32 PM
Are you people serious??? Crappy schools are due to crappy parenting skills. Many of the students in the private schools are there only to keep them away from the bad kids. teachers are teachers. Every school has good ones and bad ones. If your kid is good then they should be reasonably good no matter where they go to school. If not is that really the school's fault???
Posted by: CB Location: South Bend on Nov 18, 2008 at 07:56 PM
I thought Elkhart Central WAS a good school. It's too bad there's so many sickos out there around our kids. I hope they catch this piece of scum and put him away until "IT" won't work anymore and he's too old to seduce anyone else!
Posted by: Scott Location: SB on Nov 18, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Hey vouchers-smouchers: your spelling teacher lost...
Posted by: JOhn on Nov 18, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Mccane LOST?
Posted by: vouchers-smouchers on Nov 18, 2008 at 06:41 PM
vouchers are absolutly NOT the solution. the best schools cannot accept every student, so what about the kids that don't get in? they are stuck in the crappy ones. suck it up, McCane LOST.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 18, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Dennis is a great guy, I know him very well and he would never do anything that the prosecutor is accusing him of. It's all BULLSH*T!! Elkhart Central just wants to show parents that they would do something about this type of situation and are making an example of him. It would make them look like they condone this type of behavior if they didn't do anything about it. It is and has already ruined his life and what he has worked for and loves to do. As far as I know, the Minor and the parents are not pressing any charges unless things have changed. All of this has been blown way out of proportion. Let the man be and get on with his life. I am sure he feels humiliated enough already.
Posted by: Tom on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:32 PM
school vouchers are clearly the answer....... that could never happen with vouchers........ some peoples reasoning is beyond description
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:09 PM
im telling you, push your congressman to fight for school vouchers. so you could keep your children in good schools.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:08 PM
great comment....
Posted by: here in Location: south bend on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:07 PM
OH MY--- but wait isn't it okay for female teachers to have affairs with the males students??? well not okay but get no jail time
Posted by: T Location: Mishawaka on Nov 18, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Isnt he a gym teacher or a coach or something like that. I vaguely remember the name. I graduated in 1999 from Central and believe he was still fairly new when I left. I could have him confused with someone else though.

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