ELYRIA, Ohio — A volunteer coach at Lake Ridge Academy in North Ridgeville has been indicted on six courts of sexual battery, after a student there reported being raped last year.
The indictment for 38-year-old Jason Alan DiMacchia came down on Thursday. He had originally been arrested in May. DiMacchia's attorney told The Chronicle Telegram that his client is scheduled to be arraigned before a judge in Lorain County on July 22.
North Ridgeville Police say they were notified of the incidents on May 3, but that the alleged rapes occurred in December of 2020. A student notified a teacher at the school, who notified school administration, who then called police.
Lake Ridge Academy told 3News in May that DiMacchia had last served as a paid coach during the 2017-2018 school year. "Per our policy, he underwent a background check. He subsequently became a volunteer," the school added.
The head of Lake Ridge Academy, Mitch White, J.D., M.A.T., M.Ed., gave the following statement to 3News on Friday:
"With news of the indictment of Jason Dimacchia on sexual battery charges, we are steadfast in our trust and belief in the court system to bring swift justice in this matter.
Our concern and support remains with the victim and the victim’s family as this process unfolds.
In addition, we will continue to offer support and resources for the entire Lake Ridge Academy school community including our students and faculty."
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