Former Teacher's Aide Charged In Soliciting A Minor For Sex

BEL AIR, MD — A Bel Air man who worked as a teacher's aide in Harford County Public Schools has been charged with sexual solicitation of a minor.

David Dencler, 33, of the 200 block of Crocker Drive, was arrested and has been released on bail, officials said in a statement this week.

Authorities said they began investigating Dencler after the Harford County Child Advocacy Center was notified of inappropriate contact with underage students in his position as a teacher's aide.

He was an inclusion helper at Fallston Middle School, where a parent notified authorities of his alleged conduct in March, according to Fox 45. Police said the inappropriate contact was not illegal.

Dencler resigned from the school system, officials reported. He had worked for Harford County Public Schools from August 2014 until March 8, according to WBAL.

Investigators with the Harford County Child Advocacy Center monitored his social media accounts and took him into custody after he arranged online to meet someone he thought was an underage girl. When Dencler arrived at the meeting spot in the 300 block of Conowingo Road on May 31, officials said he was arrested.

A search warrant was executed at his residence, where computer equipment and personal electronic devices were seized that are part of the ongoing investigation. According to Fox 45, Dencler had allegedly set up a GoPro camera so that the girl could record herself.

A preliminary hearing in his case is slated for June 28 in Harford County District Court.

Photo of David Dencler courtesy of Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.