By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

PIERCETON — A Warsaw woman was recently arrested for allegedly having a romantic relationship with a resident at Pierceton Woods Academy.

Dena Sue Patel, 50, 4209 Kuder Lane, Warsaw, is charged with sexual misconduct by a service provider, a level 5 felony.

On April 19, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office detective was assigned an investigation regarding sexual misconduct by a service provider at Pierceton Woods Academy. It was reported that Patel had a sexual relationship with a resident at the facility. Patel also supervised a housing unit there from May 24, 2022, through May 3, 2023.

During the investigation, the detective received a copy of text messages between Patel and a co-worker. According to court documents, in the messages, Patel admitted to having a romantic relationship with the resident. Upon conducting further interviews, it was discovered Patel had a pattern of allowing juvenile detainees to use her cellphone and access the Internet.

Surveillance footage from the academy showed Patel entering a building to the resident’s unit four times during her scheduled days off.

The resident was interviewed on May 12 by the detective and the Pierceton Police chief. In the interview, the resident said they were in a relationship with Patel for about four to six weeks. They also said Patel gave them gifts and that they no longer have contact with Patel.

After reviewing an advice of rights waiver, Patel declined giving a statement on the incident.

Patel was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on Aug. 17, with a $10,250 surety and cash bond.

Due to a malfunction with KCJ’s booking camera, there is no photo of Patel available for publication.