Liberty Township, OH - A former Lakota East High School teacher has admitted to multiple felony charges after being accused of having a sexual relationship with a student.
Guilty Plea and Dismissed Counts
Justin Daniel Dennis, 43, pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted sexual battery. As part of the plea agreement, those charges were amended from more serious counts, and other sexual battery charges were dismissed.
Dennis is now awaiting sentencing, where he faces a potential sentence of up to 18 months in prison for each count. He will also be required to register as a Tier III sex offender.
Allegations of Inappropriate Relationship
According to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Dennis engaged in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old female student during the 2021–22 school year. A court complaint stated the student told investigators that from December 2021 through September 2022, she and Dennis allegedly engaged in sexual activity multiple times in several locations, including his classroom, his home, and a parking lot in Springdale.
Deputies said the student shared messages between herself and Dennis that referenced their past “relationship.”
School and Community Reaction
Officials confirmed Dennis was a psychology, economics, and government teacher at Lakota East High School and advised a peer-support group the victim was part of. He is no longer employed with the school district.
“This case highlights the trust placed in educators and mentors, and the betrayal that occurs when that trust is violated. We will continue to stand with victims and pursue justice wherever these crimes occur,” Sheriff Richard Jones said in a statement.
Sentencing Set for March
Records from the Ohio Department of Education show Dennis taught for several years and was active as an advisor for the Hope Squad, a student support program. The court has scheduled his sentencing for March 12.
Ohio Attorney Explains Legal Options for Families After Teacher Sexual Abuse
When a teacher grooms or sexually abuses a student, families are often left shocked, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. Experienced Ohio sexual abuse lawyer John Bey explains how investigations, school reporting, and civil lawsuits can work together to hold predators and institutions accountable, while helping survivors and their families seek compensation for therapy, long-term care, and the emotional harm caused by abuse.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a student has been groomed by a teacher, what are the immediate legal steps that family should consider in Ohio?
John Bey, Esq.: The first step is making sure the conduct is reported, whether that is to law enforcement, the school district, or both, so there is a record and a formal investigation begins. Families should also speak with a civil attorney as early as possible so evidence is preserved and deadlines under Ohio law are not missed.
Banville: Many survivors worry they “agreed” to the contact. Does that affect their rights?
Bey: No. Under Ohio law, a minor cannot legally consent to sexual conduct with a teacher or other person in a position of authority over them. What looks like “consent” on paper is often the product of grooming, manipulation, and power imbalance, and that is exactly what the law is designed to address.
Banville: Beyond the criminal case, what civil options are available to a student who was abused by a teacher?
Bey: Survivors can bring a civil lawsuit not only against the individual teacher, but potentially against the school district or related entities if they failed to act on warning signs or did not have proper safeguards in place. A civil case can seek compensation for therapy, future counseling, lost opportunities, and the pain and trauma the student has endured.
Banville: Some families are afraid of being retraumatized by a lawsuit. How do you approach that concern?
Bey: Our job is to protect the survivor at every stage, to limit unnecessary exposure and to handle as much of the process as possible so they can focus on healing. We work with trauma‑informed professionals and move at the survivor’s pace, while still making sure their story is heard and their rights are enforced.
Banville: For a former student reading this and wondering if it’s “too late” to do anything, what would you tell them?
Bey: I would tell them it is worth making a confidential call and getting their situation evaluated, because Ohio’s time limits are complex and there may still be a path forward. Even if they decide not to file a case, getting informed about their options can be an important step in reclaiming control after abuse.
Take Control: Free Consultation for Abuse Survivors
If you or a loved one faced sexual abuse by a teacher, do not wait to act. Contact our Ohio sexual abuse attorneys today for a free, confidential consultation to review your legal options and start building your case. Call now—your voice deserves to be heard, and justice is within reach.
