Published: October 22, 2008 05:40 pm      

Teacher suspected of child molestation, arrested

Ada — A Homer Elementary School teacher was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of child molestation.

Few details have been released in this case. However, according to a jail record, Jeff Dallen, 48, was booked into the city jail at 7:15 p.m. on the complaint.

Officials allege Dallen molested one child and possibly others. He is a music teacher at the school located at 1400 N. Monte Vista.

Police said Dallen has been a teacher at Stonewall and Roff schools in the past. Dallen’s wife, Vicki, is the lower elementary principal at Homer.

Police expect charges to be filed in Pontotoc County District Court Wednesday.

A message left for Schools Superintendent Todd Crabtree Wednesday went unanswered by press time.

A spokesperson at Homer said Upper Elementary Principal Janna Davis was away from the school Wednesday and unavailable for comment.

AEN will continue to follow developments of the story.



UPDATE:



According to a court affidavit filed by Detective Kathi Johnston, the victim was taken to the Ada CARE Cottage after telling a relative about an alleged molestation. The victim told officials the incidents would happen at the school when the other students were watching a movie in the music room.

During an interview with Dallen, he admitted to “touching” the victim on several instances, according to the affidavit.

“During the interview, Dallen stated there were two other victims that he had molested at the school,” Johnston said in the affidavit.

Byng Superintendent Todd Crabtree released a statement Wednesday.

“We intend to fully cooperate with authorities in this continuing investigation,” Crabtree said. “The protection and safety of each and every student is our top priority.”

Dallen is being held on a $100,000 bond.