Former IPS Teacher Indicted on Battery Charges
A grand jury has indicted a former special education teacher on nine charges related to abuse in Indianapolis schools.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Special Education
A Marion County grand jury has indicted Hunter Sesemann, a former Indianapolis Public Schools teacher, on nine criminal counts. The charges follow allegations of abuse involving students with disabilities at Washington Irving Neighborhood School 14.
Why it matters
The indictment addresses allegations that Sesemann knowingly subjected two juvenile victims in his care to unlawful physical contact during the fall of 2025. Families are now seeking accountability through both the criminal justice process and upcoming civil litigation.
The indictment includes six Level 6 felony charges and three Class B misdemeanor counts. Three families are currently preparing civil lawsuits against the former educator and school officials.
The players
Hunter Sesemann
He is a former special education teacher at Washington Irving Neighborhood School 14 in Indianapolis.
Marion Superior Court
It is the judicial body where the criminal indictment against the former educator was filed.
The details
The charges filed in Marion Superior Court include felony counts for battery against persons younger than 14 and battery against individuals with disabilities. Legal representatives for three families are preparing to file civil suits stemming from these classroom incidents.
Timeline
The alleged incidents occurred during the fall of 2025.
The indictment was filed in Marion Superior Court on October 19, 2026.
Culture Shift
The case reflects a growing public expectation for institutional accountability regarding the safety of students with disabilities. It marks a shift toward more rigorous legal scrutiny of educators charged with the care of vulnerable populations in Indianapolis.
Residents may see increased scrutiny regarding safety protocols and staffing oversight within Indianapolis Public Schools. The legal proceedings highlight the ongoing efforts of local families to seek justice through both criminal and civil avenues.
The takeaway
Parents concerned about classroom safety are encouraged to monitor future school board meetings for updates on administrative policy changes. This case underscores the importance of institutional transparency when managing the care of students with disabilities.
Further reading
For more information on local school oversight, visit the Indianapolis Special Education section.
