Indiana Middle School Teacher Arrested for Luring 15-Year-Old Using Dating App

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A 54-year-old social studies teacher at West Side Middle School in Goshen, Indiana has been arrested and charged with child seduction after police found him with a 15-year-old student in a park late at night. According to court documents, Shafer and the teen met on the dating app Grindr and exchanged nude photos before arranging to meet at the Goshen Public Library, eventually driving to a local park where they engaged in sexual acts in Shafer's car.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of adult predators using dating apps to target and exploit minors, as well as the need for increased vigilance and education around online safety for teenagers. It also raises concerns about the vetting process for teachers and the need for stronger safeguards to protect students from potential abuse by school staff.

The details

Police say they found Shafer and the 15-year-old victim in Shanklin Park around 3 a.m. on Wednesday. The victim told prosecutors that Shafer was looking for a safe location to engage in sexual activity, so they drove to the park where they then had sexual encounters in Shafer's car. When officers arrived, Shafer allegedly told the victim to claim they were both adults, but the victim was visibly shaking and afraid to say no.

• Around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Shafer and the 15-year-old victim met on the Grindr dating app and exchanged nude photos.
• Around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, police found Shafer and the 15-year-old victim in Shanklin Park.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Shafer has been booked into the Elkhart County Jail on charges of sexual misconduct with a minor, child seduction, child solicitation and child exploitation. The school district has placed him on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues.