Decorah High School teacher charged for having sexual relationship with student

(ABC 6 News) — On February 15, the Decorah Police Department received a report from an individual who had concerns about what they felt was an inappropriate relationship between a Decorah High School Teacher and a student.

Following an investigation, Dustin Harland Bliven, 48, was arrested and transported to the Winneshiek County Jail.

Social media posts indicate that Bliven was the band director for Decorah Community Schools.

Bliven’s charging documents allege that between October of 2024 and Feb. 15, 2025, Bliven engaged in a “pattern of behavior” with a student that was inappropriate and sexual in nature, involving “physical touch.”

According to a press release from Decorah Police, the reporting party provided evidence, and officers made contact with the student, allowing for more evidence to be discovered.

DPD then informed the Decorah Community School District administration of the active investigation.

Bliven was charged with sexual exploitation of a school employee, which is a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine between $1025 and $10,245.

According to court documents, Bliven has been served an order requesting no contact between him and the student.