A science teacher at the Career and Success Academy in South Bend was arrested multiple sex-related charges.
Police received a call in early January and took a sex offense report at a home in rural Pleasant Township from a teenage victim and her guardians.
Weeks after the investigation began, detectives with the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office signed a probable cause affidavit and charging information for the following offenses against Doty: two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and six counts of child seduction.
Doty self-surrendered at the La Porte County Jail on Wednesday, then was released from custody following a $25,000.05 cash-only bond posted on his behalf.
NEWS RELEASE:
On January 4, 2022, Deputy Ryan Doperalski was dispatched to a residence located in rural Pleasant Township regarding a sex offense. Initial information was gathered by Deputy Doperalski from the teenage female victim and her guardians. This information identified the suspect as John M. Doty (35 YOA) of LaPorte, a teacher for a regional area school.
The matter was assigned to Detective Gabe Struss for immediate investigation. In the days and weeks that followed, Detective Struss, along with other investigators, worked tirelessly on the investigation. Detective Struss and LaPorte County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Julianne Havens began collaborating and reviewing the case to secure charges against Doty.
Yesterday, Detective Struss signed a probable cause affidavit and charging information for the following offenses against Doty:
- Count I – Attempted Rape, L3 Felony
- Count II – Rape, L3 Felony
- County III – Child Seduction, L5 Felony
- Count IV – Child Seduction, L5 Felony
- Count V – Child Seduction, L5 Felony
- County VI – Child Seduction, L5 Felony
- County VII – Child Seduction, L5 Felony
- Count VIII – Rape, L3 Felony
- Count IX – Child Seduction, L5 Felony
Later in the day, probable cause was found by Honorable Circuit Court Judge Thomas Alevizos for Doty’s arrest.
Earlier today, Doty self-surrendered at the LaPorte County Jail. Doty has since been released from custody following a $25,000.05 cash-only bond being posted on his behalf.
Assisting: Detective Sergeant Adam Hannon, Sergeant James Lear, Detective Austin Howell, Deputy Jet Balenia, Dunebrook Child Advocacy Center and St. Joseph County Cyber Crimes Unit
Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
