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A coach and teacher in Clermont County is under investigation and on administrative leave. The sheriff's office is looking into the case to determine if charges are warranted. It's an issue that has many people on edge. Until there's a decision, the coach remains on the bench and away from school.
Local 12 Reporter Rich Jaffe has been in Bethel today and shares more.
The town of Bethel has been buzzing for quite a while on rumors and allegations that a coach and teacher at Bethel Tate High School has been stepping well over the line with some of the students. Last Wednesday, when the allegations made it to the level of school administration, the coach was escorted out the door... at least temporarily. The coach in question has been at the high school for about two years. We're not naming him, because at this point he hasn't been charged with anything, but the allegations include improper text messages, possibly to more than two dozen students and also allegations of improper physical contact with female students.
School officials became aware of the allegations early last week and after meeting with investigators and legal counsel, on Wednesday, they escorted the coach and teacher from the school, putting him on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the sheriff's departments criminal investigation.
Allan Sanders, Concerned Parent: "It is kind of scary, your kids are going to school and stuff like this happens... If it is true...don't know if it's true or not, but it is kind of scary."
Shirley Poe, Concerned Grandparent: "WHAT WENT THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN YOU HEARD IT? That I didn't believe it... that there's more to it, but it could be nothing...it's just blown up. I've never heard anything adverse... and so I would have to know a little bit more of the other side. I believe you're innocent until proven guilty."
Early this afternoon, I spoke with School Superintendent Jim Smith. While he didn't want to talk on camera he did give me a written statement, which says...
"When information regarding our employee came to my attention, we acted quickly to inform the Clermont County Sheriff's Department. We then placed him on administrative leave, until the issue is resolved. The safety of our students is always first and foremost in any situation."
The investigation should take 10 days to two weeks, and if they find anything, it routinely would then go to a grand jury.
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