High school substitute under investigation for showing inappropriate photo to student

TIPP CITY — A High school substitute teacher is under investigation after allegedly showing an inappropriate photo to a student.

Tippecanoe High School Principal Dan Barnes informed parents of the incident on Feb. 9.

“I am writing to address a recent incident involving one of our long-term substitutes. It has come to our attention that this individual shows an inappropriate picture to one of our students,” Barnes said in the statement sent to parents, obtained by News Center 7.

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According to case files obtained by News Center 7, long-term substitute James Hoke told police he was showing historical photos to a student on his personal iPad, he claimed he walked away for a bit and the student kept looking and stumbled upon a photo of Hoke’s genitals.

The student told police that Hoke was scrolling through photos on the iPad when they saw the inappropriate photo, the student claimed Hoke continued to scroll as if he didn’t see it.

The student in question reported the incident to the school administration and Hoke was removed from the school. The student’s parents and police were notified.

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“The safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities at Tippecanoe High School, and any behavior that jeopardizes this is unacceptable,” Barnes said.

Barnes also encouraged parents to remind their students that they can “contact a trusted adult at the school about any situation that makes them uncomfortable” saying “If you see something or hear something, say something.”

A district spokesperson declined to provide additional comment when contacted by News Center 7. Hoke was charged with the first-degree misdemeanor “Disseminating Matter Harmful to Juveniles” and will appear in court on Feb. 20.

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