Ex-teacher accused of child seduction at East Noble Middle School

* WARNING: This story contains content not suitable for all readers. Discretion is advised. *

NOBLE COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) – A former teacher at East Noble Middle School is accused of inappropriately touching boys in his classroom over the course of the previous school year.

Lashone Tee Harris, 37, is charged with eight counts of Level 3 felony child seduction, according to Noble Circuit Court documents released Thursday.

The investigation began in February, when a middle school student told their mother a teacher had touched him inappropriately, according to court documents.

More than 20 interviews with middle school students followed, and investigators determined Harris allegedly inappropriately touched the kids – who were 13 years old and younger – between August 2023 and February 2024.

Investigators noted in court documents several instances of “grooming behaviors”. Harris allegedly would single out his “favorite” students and frame pictures of them in his classroom — but the photos would be taken down if those students upset him, according to court documents.

Harris also allegedly contacted students outside of school, including on Snapchat. He would also ask students if they wanted to hang out after school, and Harris is accused of telling at least one student he loved them on separate occasions, according to court documents.

According to court documents, one child told investigators Harris touched him multiple times between Aug. 9, 2023 and Feb. 13, 2024.

“It’s like he likes us… he likes doing it,” the child told police, adding Harris wouldn’t touch the girls in the same way that he touched the boys.

Another student said Harris told the class at the beginning of the school year that he “wanted to build relationships,” according to court documents.

He also said Harris would “slap little boys’ butts” and on one occasion reached under the student’s shirt to rub his bare skin, according to court documents. In other instances, Harris allegedly “would lightly smack him on his buttocks” after the student would go ask Harris a question in class.

According to court documents, eight students total shared with investigators similar stories of Harris commending them for their schoolwork but then touching their buttocks or bare skin in a classroom full of other students.

East Noble School Corporation shared a statement saying Harris no longer teaches there, and the district is cooperating with the investigation.

Read the full statement below:

We have been made aware of the recent arrest of a former employee, Lashone Harris. We want to assure our community that Lashone is no longer employed with the East Noble School Corporation. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. Therefore, we will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement as their investigation proceeds. We understand the severity of the situation, and East Noble School Corporation is committed to providing support to our students, staff, and families during this time. We encourage anyone with concerns to contact the appropriate authorities. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we navigate this difficult situation together.

Dr. Teresa L. Gremaux, ENSC Superintendent

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 59.