Jay Dee Shirley, a welding instructor at Grand River Technical School, has been charged with two felony counts of sexual contact with students. According to court documents, Shirley allegedly inappropriately touched female students on multiple occasions, with incidents reported in both September and October of 2024. The Chillicothe Police

Department launched an investigation after school officials raised concerns. In victim interviews, according to Chillicothe Chief of police, Jon Maples, wrote in a probable cause statement that multiple victims have been identified and told their story to the CPD.  Of the five alleged victims four have made reports with the CPD.

Several students came forward, reporting uncomfortable encounters with Shirley. He is being held without bond, and his initial court appearance is scheduled was today, Oct. 24. 

Shirley has denied the sexual misconduct allegations but admitted to being overly “handsy” with students according to the probable cause statement, which also noted that he admitted “that he left
Carrollton School District because of accusations of contacting a student outside of school.”

Witness statements also highlighted instances of inappropriate text messages, TikTok social media shares, and physical contact during class.

He is being held in Caldwell County without bond. A hearing was scheduled for this morning.  According to online court records he has a Bond Appearance Hearing scheduled for 9 a.m., Oct. 30 in Livingston County Court in front of Judge Michael Leamer.