(10-3-24) Joel R. Bowers (37) of Portland, is accused of masturbating in front of a class of Jay County 8th grade students on April 9th. Bowers was arrested on Tuesday and charged with two 6th degree felonies in Jay Superior Court with performance before a minor that is harmful to minors and dissemination of matter harmful to minors.
Jay Superior Court Initial Hearing Session: 10/07/2024 4:30 PM,
After he was arrested he was released from the Jay County Jail on a $3,000 bond.
Commercial Review Story with details – Bowers charged with conduct harmful…Former teacher was arrested on Tuesday evening
Bowers was placed on administrative leave from Jay County Junior-Senior High School on April 11th following allegations of misconduct. Bowers, who was a social studies teacher resigned from that position.
Shortly after he resigned from the Jay County Schools he would resign as the chairman of the Jay County Democratic Party.
Mercer County Outlook 