Former South Central High School teacher Shane Lother of Edgewood Road in Salem was ordered held without bond after being formally charged in Marion County Court Monday with grooming a 15-year-old female student.
According to court documents, Lother, who held a position of trust and authority over the victim, is accused of knowingly engaging in a pattern of conduct meant to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice the minor into unlawful sexual conduct. Authorities allege that Lother communicated with the student both in person and via electronic messages.
Judge Ericka Sanders ordered Lother’s detention, citing a significant risk of harm to the alleged victim if Lother were to be released. The decision was based on evidence recovered from the victim’s phone and Lother’s alleged emotional involvement with the underage student.
The investigation began after the victim’s father provided her phone to police. Jefferson County Detective Justin Titzer, leading the investigation for Kinmundy and Farina Police, discovered several deleted emails from Lother’s school account, including one where Lother referenced concerns about being seen as “too close and comfortable” with the student.
Two of Lother’s former colleagues reported witnessing inappropriate behavior between Lother and the girl. One co-worker stated that Lother admitted being physically attracted to the student and described a private visit to her home, during which he acknowledged their mutual attraction but insisted they could not pursue a relationship. The other co-worker reported concerns about Lother’s close interactions with the student during a school trip, including their choice to sit together and converse throughout the bus ride.
When interviewed after a search warrant was executed on his phone on April 23rd, Lother reportedly told investigators the girl had a crush on him and admitted to visiting her home to discuss the perception of their relationship. He further admitted to feeling a connection but acknowledged it could not continue.
The alleged victim told investigators she deleted their emails at Lother’s request to avoid suspicion, stating the conversations were not innocent and expressing concern about getting Lother in trouble because he was her favorite teacher.
Lother waived his preliminary hearing and formal arraignment. His jury trial is set for July 13th, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for June 3rd. He has retained private attorney Matt Wilzbach for his defense.
Lother was placed on administrative leave by the South Central School District on February 26th after the district reported the allegations to DCFS and Kinmundy Police.