BLOOMINGTON — A former school resource officer at Bloomington High School North has been arrested on felony charges after allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old student during a fishing trip last summer.
Jayson Tatlock, 46, of Seymour, was charged Tuesday in Owen Circuit Court with child seduction, battery, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and providing alcohol to a minor. He is currently being held at the Owen County Jail.
The charges stem from an incident in June 2024 at Cataract Falls in Spencer County. According to court documents, Tatlock took the student on a fishing trip where he allegedly provided her with alcohol and sexually assaulted her on his boat.
The victim told investigators that Tatlock had admitted his attraction to her early in the school year and had looked her up in the school database. Their relationship reportedly began with the student spending time in his office, where Tatlock provided snacks and drinks. The student said she initially viewed him as a father figure.
During the fishing trip, the victim said Tatlock moved the boat to a secluded area where he began making physical advances, including kissing and groping her. Court records show Tatlock’s wife was texting him during the incident, at one point sending a message referencing Romans 8:6 about sinful nature leading to death.
Indiana Conservation Officers began investigating after the victim’s guardian filed a police report on June 18, 2024. When interviewed by police three days later, Tatlock initially resisted questioning but eventually admitted to purchasing alcohol for the minor and engaging in physical contact with her.
School District Response
Monroe County Community Schools immediately placed Tatlock on administrative leave upon learning of the allegations on June 18, 2024. He resigned the following day.
“The safety and security of our students is the highest priority to the MCCSC,” the district said in a statement. The district noted that Tatlock had passed a full criminal background check when hired in July 2023 and had 20 years of law enforcement experience with local agencies.
Legal Proceedings
An initial hearing was held Thursday before Judge Donald VanDerMoere, who issued a no-contact order preventing Tatlock from interacting with the victim.
The case saw significant delays, with the final police report submitted in February 2025 and formal charges not filed until June 24, 2025. The reason for the delay remains unclear.
Tatlock previously worked for the Seymour Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, and Monroe County Public Defender’s Office before joining the school district.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
