The Lafayette Police Department Detective Division, along with Lafayette Police School Resource Officers, Tippecanoe County Prosecutors Office High Tech Crimes Unit, and Lafayette School Corporation officials, initiated a child abuse investigation involving an Amelia Earhart school teacher on February 27th, 2018. The complaint centered on reports of suspicious activity involving child exploitation and child solicitation.
Lafayette Police Detectives conducted multiple interviews and collected evidence, which led to the arrest and charging of 46-year-old Joseph R. Kimerer Jr. of Lafayette. Kimerer was arrested without incident at his home today around 10:00 am. Kimerer has been charged with 13 counts, involving multiple victims to include; Vicarious Sexual Gratification (Level 4 Felony), Child Exploitation with intent to satisfy sex desires (Level 5 Felony), Child Solicitation (Level 5 Felony) and Inappropriate Communication with a Child (A Misd).
The investigation revealed multiple male victims ranging in ages 12 – 13 years old. Many of the alleged incidents occurred inside the school, during school hours. The investigation is on-going and police ask anyone with further information or further victims related to this incident contact the Lafayette Police Department Detective Division at (765) 807-1250.
Lt. Scott Galloway / Community Outreach & Crime Prevention
The fact a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.