HENDRICKS COUNTY — A Tri-West High School teacher and coach accused of sexual misconduct with a student appeared in court for the first time Wednesday afternoon.
Tyler Bruce came into the Hendricks County courthouse with his attorney, Joshua Adair, and did not respond when asked about the charges against him — two counts of child seduction and obstruction of justice, all felonies.
The judge entered a preliminary plea of not guilty for Bruce, informed him of his rights, and scheduled a pretrial conference for March 11 and trial for April 22.
The judge also reminded Bruce of his no contact order for the alleged victim, a 17-year old student.
READ | Tri-West HS teacher, coach arrested for child seduction | Ex-principal charged with failure to make a report
Call 6 Investigates has been tracking the story since last summer.
The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office launched its investigation into Tyler Bruce after receiving an anonymous tip on May 12 involving allegations of sexual misconduct with a student.
RELATED | Costs to school district mount as investigation hits six month mark
Court documents say Bruce solicited illicit Snapchat photos from a student and touched her under her clothing on several occasions.
Bruce has not provided a response to the criminal charges and he is now on unpaid suspension with the North West Hendricks School Corporation. The state has already started procedures to revoke his teaching license and the district is taking their next steps to remove him as a teacher.
Bruce faces up to seven and a half years in prison if convicted on the three felony charges against him.
RELATED | Hendricks County parents question school board over handling of sexual assault allegations | Sexual harassment expert 'shocked, troubled' by Tri-West child seduction case
