Butler County Sheriff’s Office investigating alleged inappropriate touching of elementary school student

The Butler County Sheriff’s office is investigating the alleged inappropriate touching of an Edgewood elementary school student Friday by a substitute teacher.

A 5th grade student alleges the substitute teacher touched her buttocks, according to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

A school resource officer and the Edgewood School administrators launched an immediate investigation, according to Sgt. Kim Peters. Detectives were called in to investigate the allegation.

FIRST REPORT: Allegation of misconduct by Edgewood Elementary school substitute teacher

The substitute teacher is not cooperating and has requested an attorney, according to the sheriff’s office. At this time there are no criminal charges pending further investigation and consultation with the prosecutor’s office. Edgewood School Officials advised the substitute teacher in question will not return to their school district.

“We take these complaints very seriously and we are working diligently to make sure our children are protected and the outcome is appropriate through due process,” said Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones.

On Friday the district sent out a notice to parents about the incident.

“This afternoon our Edgewood Elementary school administrators were notified of allegations involving a substitute teacher and two students,” according to the school’s notice to parents.

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“School administrators, district officials and our school resource officers (SROs) promptly began an investigation. We also want to let you know that a student called 911 while riding home on the bus. The call was made in reference to these allegations.

“Our SRO quickly responded to the call. He spoke to the student who made the call, then spoke to the rest of the students (on the bus) to answer their concerns and calm the students down.

“This matter has been turned over to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office. The district will continue to cooperate with law enforcement officials and will take appropriate steps in accordance with board policy to address the situation.”

Peters said today the BCSO is only aware of one alleged victim at this time, but there may have been a witness. A 911 call was placed from the school bus about the incident.

Last school year, Fairfield Schools in Butler County saw a substitute teacher accused and investigated by police for allegedly fondling himself during class. He later plead guilty to public indecency.

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