A Chardon Schools staff member, who served as a part-time tutor and coach at Chardon High School, has been accused of inappropriate conduct with a student, according to school officials.
Superintendent Michael Hanlon emailed parents late Tuesday afternoon to advise them the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office had confirmed an investigation regarding the part-time staff member’s alleged inappropriate relationship with a student had been launched.
“Chardon High School tutor Ty Merkle has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation,” Hanlon said.
According to a law enforcement official familiar with the arrest, Merkle is about 26 years old and is accused of having inappropriate conduct with a 15-year-old female.
Authorities were alerted after the female’s mother found inappropriate emails on her daughter’s computer, the source said.
Merkle was arrested and currently is jailed at the Geauga County Safety Center, Charges are expected to be filed tomorrow, the official added.
In an earlier email Tuesday, Hanlon told parents the safety and security of students is always top priority.
“This communication is being sent to inform you that on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at approximately 11:15 a.m., the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office notified the administration at Chardon High School of their intent to question a (high school) staff member based on allegations of an inappropriate relationship involving a student,” Hanlon said.
“Officials took the staff member, who served as a part-time tutor and coach at the school, into custody without incident. The staff member has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation,” he added.
“A background check of this individual was completed in 2012 and did not indicate any convictions that would have precluded employment with the school district or licensure by the State of Ohio,” Hanlon said in his letter. “We value the trust that you place in us, in the care and education of your child, and have no tolerance for any behaviors that put our students at risk. Their safety and security is always our utmost concern.
“We are working with law enforcement to handle this matter in a thorough yet timely manner.”
This story will continue to be updated as more details become available.