A Noblesville High School teacher has been charged with 11 felony counts including seducing two high school students between the ages of 16 and 18.
The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office announced on Jan. 8 that burglary, child seduction, child exploitation and contributing to the delinquency of a minor charges were filed against Michael Douce, 31, of Fishers. Court documents show that Douce was allegedly having relationships with minors in 2014. Detectives confiscated a victim’s phone and found several explicit pictures and graphic text messages sent from Douce.
Douce formerly served as the NHS assistant director of choirs.
An arrest warrant was issued on Jan. 8 where it was believed Douce would turn himself in. An initial hearing for Douce will be scheduled following his booking into jail.
Board dismisses Douce
The Noblesville School Board unanimously approved the hiring and terminations of three people at its special session on Dec. 30. The board, which met in executive session for 45 minutes prior to the three minute public meeting, did not release the names or positions of those employees at that time but it has been confirmed that Douce was dismissed.
The district announced on Dec. 19 that an NHS teacher had been accused of inappropriate conduct with a minor student. Douce was immediately removed from contact with students and the district provided counseling services for all students in his class. Based on the district’s investigation of this claim it began the process of terminating their employment and informed the NPD of the matter.
In a press release on Jan. 8, Noblesville Schools stated: “We are angry with Mr. Douce for violating our trust, and more importantly the trust of his students. We are saddened for the victims impacted by his actions, and our thoughts go out to them and their families.”
Charges
Michael Douce has been charged with the following offenses:
● One count of burglary, a Level 4 felony.
● Two counts of child seduction, a Class C felony.
● Two counts of child seduction, a Level 5 felony.
● One count of child exploitation, a Level 5 felony.
● Two counts of child seduction, a Class D felony.
● Two counts of child seduction, a Level 6 felony.
● One count of dissemination of matter harmful to minors, a Level 6 felony.
● Two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a Class A misdemeanor.
