Jersey Shore elementary school janitor charged with touching, stalking students

Jersey Shore, Pa. — A Jersey Shore man has been charged for allegedly inappropriately touching several young children in the Jersey Shore Elementary School while working as a janitor.

The Lycoming Regional Police Department (LRPD) arrested 28-year-old Dakota J. Gardner, a janitorial employee assigned to the elementary school, on Nov. 10 following an investigation into allegations of unlawful physical contact involving multiple elementary-aged students.

On Oct. 16, the Lycoming Regional Police Department received a Child Line report alleging inappropriate physical contact between Gardner and a student at Jersey Shore Elementary School. The investigation was conducted by a LRPD School Resource Officer, the officer assigned to the Jersey Shore Area School District.

During the course of the investigation, police interviewed multiple students and reviewed school security footage and determined Gardner engaged in repeated unwanted physical contact with several students inside Jersey Shore Elementary School.

The investigation also determined that Gardner had been employed by the district since this summer as a janitorial staff member.

Charges were approved by the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office and Gardner was arrested. Gardner was arraigned in front of Judge Aaron Biichle and released on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Based on Gardner being charged with six counts each of felony stalking, misdemeanor unlawful contact with a minor, and summary harassment, it is likely he had at least six victims.

Upon receiving the initial report from law enforcement on Oct. 16, the Jersey Shore Area School District immediately suspended Gardner from his position pending the outcome of the investigation, according to the LRPD. Gardner is no longer permitted access to district facilities, students, or school activities at this time.

"The Lycoming Regional Police Department takes allegations involving children very seriously. We are committed to thoroughly investigating all reports of inappropriate conduct involving minors and holding individuals accountable when criminal behavior is alleged. We appreciate the cooperation of the Jersey Shore Area School District, students, parents, and witnesses who assisted in this investigation. Our investigation remains active, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Lycoming Regional Police Department," the LRPD stated in a release.

Gardner's preliminary hearing is set before Judge Dieter on Dec. 9. According to court records, he has no prior criminal record in Pennsylvania.

Docket sheet