Fishing for Trouble: How a Badge Became a License to Groom the Jayson Tatlock Probable Cause Affidavit Part 1

A chilling investigation unfolds as we dissect the case of Jayson Tatlock, a former school resource officer who betrayed his position of trust in the most devastating way. What started as seemingly innocent interactions with a 17-year-old student spiraled into a calculated pattern of grooming that culminated in sexual assault during a private fishing trip.

The evidence paints a disturbing portrait of predatory behavior. Tatlock meticulously established himself as a trusted figure—bringing Starbucks coffee, offering snacks, and creating an environment where the victim felt special as his "number one favorite student." Behind this facade of mentorship, he was strategically pushing boundaries, escalating from flirtatious comments to increasingly sexual conversations while maintaining plausible deniability through always-open office doors and school-sanctioned interactions.

Most disturbing is Tatlock's own admission that he had been "eyeing" the victim since her first day of school when she was just 16, even searching through school databases to find her information after overhearing her name. The June 4th fishing trip to Cataract Lake wasn't a spontaneous outing but the culmination of months of boundary-testing, featuring alcohol, isolation, and assault that left the victim "petrified" and "frozen."

The psychological aftermath for the young victim is heartbreaking—sleeplessness, loss of appetite, flashbacks, and the painful process of self-blame that so often accompanies abuse by authority figures. Her words "I haven't been the same person since what he did to me" reveal the profound impact of betrayal by someone tasked with protecting students.

This case forces us to confront uncomfortable questions about how we screen and monitor those placed in positions of power over vulnerable young people, and how institutions respond when trust is violated. Join us as we continue this investigation in part two, where we'll examine what happened after the assault and Tatlock's response to these serious allegations.

Do you want to advertise with 69 SOUTH?

Call Bulldog Roofing Company for all of your homes roofing needs. 317-996-7663

Ad for 69 South Tees

Scented Jewels
We’ve got the coolest wax melts ever. Dive into a world of many aromas at shopscentedjewels.com

Scented Jewels
We’ve got the coolest wax melts ever. Dive into a world of many aromas at shopscentedjewels.com

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Chapters

• 1:05 Episode Introduction and Trigger Warning
• 1:58 Case Overview: Jason Tatlock Charges
• 3:23 Understanding Child Seduction Laws
• 6:52 Initial Investigation and Report
• 9:12 Grooming Pattern at School
• 19:31 Planning the Fishing Trip
• 23:49 The Boat Trip and Assault
• 46:52 Aftermath and Emotional Impact
• 1:01:29 Episode Closing and Next Episode Preview