Former Jersey Shore Elementary janitor charged with inappropriate physical contact with multiple students
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The Lycoming Regional Police Department have arrested Dakota Gardner, 28, of 44 Drake Lane, Pine Creek Township in Clinton County. Gardner was a janitorial employee assigned to Jersey Shore Elementary School and was arrested following an investigation into allegations of unlawful physical contact involving multiple elementary aged students, according to a news release from the police department.
On Oct. 16, 2026, the Lycoming Regional Police Department received a Child Line report alleging inappropriate physical contact between Gardner and a student at Jersey Shore Elementary School. The investigation was conducted by the Lycoming Regional Police Department School Resource Officer assigned to the Jersey Shore Area School District, the news release added.
The inappropriate contact involved Gardner “tickling” six students in an unwanted manner multiple times while at the school, a court document stated.
While the students were walking past him, he “grabbed and touched them, causing emotional distress,” police alleged.
Gardner’s alleged actions prevented students from getting to their destinations as he would stand in front of them, the court document stated.
Based on a review of surveillance video, it appeared Gardner allegedly “targeted students while no other adults were around,” police said.
Gardner turned himself Tuesday to face six counts each of felony unlawful contact with a minor, stalking and harassment. Following his arraignment before District Judge Aaron Biichle, Gardner was released on $50,000 bail.
“During the course of the investigation, police interviewed multiple students and reviewed school security footage. Investigators identified evidence that Gardner allegedly engaged in repeated unwanted physical contact with several students while on school property. Based upon the investigation, criminal charges were approved by the Lycoming County District Attorney's Office and Gardner was arrested. Gardner was arraigned in front of a Magisterial District Judge and released on $50,000.00 bail,” the news release said.
Upon receiving the initial report from law enforcement, the Jersey Shore Area School District immediately suspended Gardner from his position pending the outcome of the investigation. Gardner is no longer permitted access to district facilities, students or school activities at this time, according to Lycoming Regional Police.
The investigation determined that Gardner had been employed by the district since the summer of 2026 as a janitorial staff member. The alleged incidents occurred inside Jersey Shore Elementary School and involved multiple students, according to the department’s news release.