Decorah teacher charged with sexual exploitation of student

A band teacher at Decorah Middle School and Decorah High School was arrested last week on charges that he had an inappropriate sexual relationship with one of his students, according to Decorah police.

Dustin Harland Bliven, 48, of Decorah, is charged with one count of sexual exploitation by a school employee. According to a news release, the Decorah Police Department started investigating him Feb. 15 after it received a report from someone who had concerns about a suspected inappropriate relationship between Bliven and a student.

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The individual provided some evidence to substantiate the concerns, and police discovered more evidence after making contact with the student, the release states.

The police department contacted the school district and the two organizations worked together “to isolate this incident, to ensure student safety, to allow for a complete and thorough investigation,” according to the release.

According to a criminal complaint, Bliven had a sexual relationship with the student between October 2024 and February. The complaint said he engaged “in a pattern of behavior with a student that involved physical touch, was inappropriate and sexual in nature.” A no-contact order has been filed on behalf of the student.

Bliven had his first appearance in court Saturday and was released after posting 10 percent a $5,000 bond, according to the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office.

The Decorah Community School District said in a statement Friday that Bliven has been put on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

“As this is an active investigation, we are unable to provide further details at this time. The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority, and we will take appropriate action based on the findings,” the statement reads.

Bliven has worked for the district since 2014.

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