Board to terminate accused coach
Teacher and softball coach allegedly had sex with 17-year-old student
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
MADISON TWP. — Madison board members are expected to begin termination proceedings tonight for the teacher and softball coach accused of having sex with a 17-year-old student.
The board of education will meet at 6 p.m. tonight, May 21, at the district's central offices for a special meeting.
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"It will be simply beginning the termination of Jamie Wagner," said Superintendent Chris Cline.
Officials at the Ohio Department of Education's Office of Professional Conduct declined to comment about whether Wagner was under investigation for his alleged misconduct.
Wagner, 32, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday, May 20, in Area III Court in West Chester Twp. He was arraigned on two counts of sexual battery, each a third-degree felony. The case against Wagner, a former president of the Madison Education Association, is now automatically bound over to a Butler County grand jury.
Wagner's attorney Richard Skelton and his parents appeared with him but had no comment. Wagner remains free after posting a $20,080 bond Friday.
Wagner was arrested Friday, May 16, after police learned of text messages he allegedly sent to an 18-year-old student. No charges have been filed in connection with the 18-year-old, but her parents were in court for Wagner's arraignment.
Wagner submitted his resignation to the school district on Monday. The district's board of education voted not to accept the resignation after being urged by the father of the 18-year-old to start termination procedures against Wagner.
The eighth-grade history teacher was arrested by Butler County sheriff's detectives for allegedly engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl between April and May at his Monroe home.
Detectives uncovered the alleged sexual relationship while investigating if Wagner sent inappropriate text messages to the 18-year-old girl. Butler County Sgt. Melina Smith said Tuesday the text message investigation remains open, but no charges have been filed.
Smith said detectives have not determined if there are other alleged victims, but would like to talk to anyone with information. He said detectives could be reached at (513) 785-1239.
S
taff
w
riter Dan Wells contributed to this
report.
