MEDINA, Ohio — Bond has been set at $200,000 for Kyle Brooks, a teacher at Highland High School in Medina County who was arrested Thursday following accusations he engaged in "inappropriate sexual conduct" with a student.
Brooks made his first appearance in the case during a brief hearing Friday morning in Medina Municipal Court.
When asked if he could address the bond, the judge said it would be discussed further on two future occasions – the preliminary hearing and when he’s formally arraigned in the Medina County Court of Common Pleas.
You can watch the full Friday court hearing in the player below:
Brooks, of Akron, is currently being held in the Medina County Jail on a charge of sexual battery. The Medina County Sheriff's Office says they took Brooks into custody after getting more information from the alleged victim.
"The Medina Country Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Highland Local School District Administration and the Medina County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance in bringing a swift resolve to this egregious allegation," Sheriff Terry Grice said in a statement.
According to the district's website, Brooks teaches multiple classes at the high school in Granger Township, including 12th-grade English, College/Career Readiness, and Cinematic Literature. Police did not release further details regarding the allegations, but are still investigating and noted more charges could be filed.
During Friday's court hearing, Brooks told he judge he'd been with his employer for 28 years.
Highland Superintendent Catherine Aukerman released the following statement Thursday: "We are shocked and saddened by this information. We have and will continue to fully cooperate with the Medina County Sheriff’s Office investigation. It remains our top priority to provide a safe learning environment for all students and have made plans for additional counselors to be available at the high school for students or families who may need support."
As the case currently stands, Brooks could potentially face up to five years in prison, if convicted.