Dennis, a teacher at Lakota East and West, allegedly had a sexual relationship with a student that began in the 2021-2022 school year, according to court records. It started in December 2021 during her senior year when she was 17 and ended about nine months later in September 2022, according to court records.
Dennis will remain out on the $20,000 cash or surety bond posted before his case bound over to the grand jury. After the grand jury issued an indictment on Monday, Dennis turned himself in, said his attorney, Chelsea Panzeca.
Spaeth said the request for the arrest warrant based on the eight-count indictment does not specify if it was for seven of the counts or all eight. The judge said the defendant’s liberties had been impacted.
“So effectively, (the warrant was) on all of the counts, including the one he posted the bond on,” the judge said, also stating, “I’ve been here since 1999, and I don’t ever recall this happening without the judge revoking the bond.”
“I don’t see it that way, your honor,” said Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Lance Salyers.
Because the judge felt Dennis’ liberties were revoked, Spaeth extended the bond to cover all eight counts. He was ordered to be released with GPS monitoring and a no-contact order with the single victim in this case.
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
Dennis was charged on Aug. 4 with a single count of sexual battery, a third-degree felony.
The complaint against Dennis said he and the teenager allegedly had sexual relations in his classroom, in the parking lot of the student’s workplace in Springdale, at his home in West Chester Twp., and at his former home in Liberty Twp. His accuser allegedly shared with the sheriff’s office investigator a text thread between her and the teacher where they were messaging about their past relationship, according to court records.
The indictment indicates all alleged crimes between Nov. 1, 2021, and May 31, 2022. Dennis could be sentenced to up to five years on each count if found guilty.
In August, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office asked the public for more information and for any other potential victims to come forward.
“This case highlights the trust placed in educators and mentors, and the betrayal that occurs when that trust is violated,” said Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones.
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
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