Special education teacher carries on months-long sexual relationship with teen student: Cops

Authorities in Ohio believe a 26-year-old former special education teacher carried on a sexual relationship with a juvenile female student earlier this year.

According to WXIX, Jennifer Waslsh was indicted Monday on two criminal counts of sexual battery.

She resigned from Sycamore High School in the Cincinnati area earlier this month, according to a letter the school sent home to parents.

“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of a situation involving a former Sycamore High School employee,” administrators wrote. “Montgomery Police is investigating allegations that former teacher Jennifer Walsh engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a student.”

Confirming Walsh had resigned, the school further noted that investigators “believe this was an isolated incident and that the alleged inappropriate behavior did not occur at school.”

A report from an investigator from the Hamilton County Job and Family Service department on Oct. 18 sparked the investigation and Walsh resigned from her position the following day.

In addition to its own statement, the school released her resignation letter.

“As of today, October 19th, 2018, I am hereby resigning from my position as an Intervention Specialist and Sycamore High School,” she wrote. “Thank you for the opportunity to work for such a great education institution.”

According to WCPO, Walsh had been on personal leave for about a month prior to her resignation.

Police reports indicate the inappropriate relationship with the 17-year-old girl spanned from May to August.

A total of five witnesses shared testimony with police related to the alleged sexual relationship, according to investigators.

Following her arrest, she was booked into jail and released after posting $100 bond.

As part of their investigation, authorities reportedly seized personal documents and electronic devices including her computer and cellphone while executing a search warrant at her home.

Citing “student privacy laws,” the school did not provide further details about the nature of the alleged crime, but did refer to the charges as “shocking” and “upsetting,” adding that the district takes them “very seriously.”

The district has “strict policies against this type of alleged behavior that are clearly communicated to all staff,” the school’s letter explained.

“We are committed to fully working with the Montgomery Police Department in their investigation and to take appropriate action to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students,” the school wrote.

[Featured image: Jennifer Walsh, Facebook]