Dennis Jutras, 61, a longtime Baltimore educator and former teacher of the year, was arrested on May 13 and charged with sexual solicitation of a minor after investigators say he tried to meet someone he believed was a 15-year-old. Authorities say the alleged interaction started on a hookup website and escalated into sexually explicit text messages and images. Jutras has worked in administration for Baltimore City Public Schools and spent about a decade teaching social studies at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. The district says he has been removed from active duty while the criminal case moves forward.
Detective Pretended To Be Teen “Aiden,” Charging Documents Say
According to The Baltimore Banner, Jutras was arrested on May 13 after investigators say he first messaged an officer posing as a high school student named “Aiden” on a hookup site. Charging documents reviewed by the outlet say the two arranged to meet in a Bel Air park on May 14 and that the text messages became increasingly explicit, including multiple sexual photos. The filings also state that his profile described seeking “younger verbally dominant men” and that he identified himself as an educator who had taught AP U.S. History and U.S. Government.
High-Profile Role In City Schools And Prior Honors
Baltimore City Public Schools lists Jutras as the district’s Coordinator for Gifted & Advanced Learning and shows him on staff pages as working across multiple schools. Baltimore City Public Schools records and the Maryland State Department of Education archives indicate he was previously honored as a teacher of the year. Those records describe his work overseeing advanced-learning programs and visiting schools throughout the district.
Held Without Bond As Case Moves Forward
Jutras appeared before Harford County District Judge Tracey J. Delp and was ordered held without bond, with a preliminary hearing set for June 12, according to The Baltimore Banner. The Banner reports that Baltimore City Public Schools spokesperson Sherry Christian said Jutras was “immediately removed from duty” after the district learned of the charges and encouraged anyone with information to contact the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. Court filings list Michael Schaech of Havre de Grace as Jutras’s attorney. The charges in the affidavit are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
