Ipswich teacher arrested for rape of child

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — An Ipswich teacher and coach faces charges of rape, sexual exploitation of a minor and sexual contact with a child.

The Ipswich School District’s website Tuesday said 47-year-old Jeromy Loken of Ipswich, S.D. teaches industrial technology and physical education in addition to coaching track. Online court records show Loken was arrested on Thursday for first-degree rape of a victim younger than 13.

An affidavit detailing the police investigation is sealed, but a petition for a protection order against Loken offers further information. In it, a woman writes that Loken is her day care provider’s husband. She claims that in early June Loken offered candy to her child in exchange for sexual acts.

The protection order petition also alleges Loken placed his genitalia on the child.

According to the South Dakota Department of Social Services website, a state-registered family day care in Ipswich is listed as “Provider currently suspended.”

A hearing on the protection order petition is scheduled for June 18 in Ipswich.

KELOLAND News reached out to the Ipswich School District and was referred to its superintendent for questions about Loken. Superintendent Trent Osborne wasn’t available over the phone, and as of early Tuesday evening he hadn’t responded to an email from KELOLAND News sent Tuesday afternoon.