ABERDEEN, Md. — A Baltimore City Public Schools administrator and former “Teacher of the Year” has been arrested following an undercover law enforcement investigation into the online solicitation of minors, authorities announced.
Dennis Jutras, 61, of Aberdeen, was taken into custody and is currently being held without bail at the Harford County Detention Center.
According to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation commenced on May 7, when an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy was contacted by an individual on a social media platform. Officials stated that Jutras initiated online interactions that included sexually explicit conversation and inappropriate photos with the individual he believed to be a teenager.
During the correspondence, Jutras identified himself as a schoolteacher. Investigators later confirmed that Jutras was a long-time instructor at the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute prior to transitioning into an administrative role within the Baltimore City Public Schools system. He also previously received the “Teacher of the Year” distinction.
The undercover detective subsequently arranged an in-person meeting with Jutras at a park located in Harford County. Jutras was arrested by law enforcement upon his arrival at the designated location.
Following the arrest, Baltimore City Public Schools confirmed that Jutras has been placed on administrative leave, stating that the district places the health and safety of its students among its highest priorities.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation. Detectives are urging anyone who may have information relevant to the case, or who believes they may have been a victim, to contact Detective Sergent at 410-836-5428.
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