MENTOR, Ohio — The music director for Lake Catholic High School has been fired following an investigation into alleged "inappropriate conduct" with several former students.
3News obtained an email from Lake Catholic administrators to parents and guardians detailing the accusations against Scott Posey, the one-time director of performing arts. According to the letter, the inquiry began in January when the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland received a report that Posey "engaged in inappropriate conduct with two female students approximately 15 years ago."
While the purported behavior "did not involve physical contact with the students," the diocese still contacted police and retained a private investigator to look into the matter. "During the course of the investigation, another female graduate alleged that Mr. Posey engaged in inappropriate conduct with her while she was a student that included touching of a sexual nature on a number of occasions around that same time period," according to officials.
As a result of the diocese's findings, Posey is no longer a member of the Lake Catholic faculty. Law enforcement is currently conducting its own investigation.
"We completely understand that this news is difficult to hear, but we felt it important to keep you informed and to assure you that we are completely committed to the safety and security of your children – our students," Lake Catholic wrote in the letter. "We appreciate your understanding and support in this matter."
For the time being, music teacher James Slike will take over Posey's duties, including direction of the marching band this upcoming school year. Theater productions will also go ahead as scheduled "once the administration is able to bring together a production team."
The Diocese of Cleveland released the following statement to WKYC:
"In January of this year, the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland received a report from a former student alleging that the director of performing arts at Lake Catholic High School, Scott Posey, had engaged in inappropriate conduct with two female students approximately 15 years ago. The alleged conduct did not involve physical contact with the students. A representative of the diocese, consistent with diocesan and school policies, reported the allegation to law enforcement and, with the support of law enforcement, retained a private investigator to investigate the report.
"During the course of this investigation, the investigator interviewed a number of former students, including an additional female graduate who alleged that Mr. Posey had, on a number of occasions around the same time period, engaged in inappropriate conduct with her while she was a student that included touching of a sexual nature. Upon receiving this new allegation, it was immediately reported to law enforcement and Lake Catholic placed Mr. Posey on administrative leave pending the completion of its investigation. At the conclusion of Lake Catholic’s investigation this month, it was decided that Mr. Posey would no longer be employed at Lake Catholic High School. A separate investigation by civil authorities is currently pending.
"Lake Catholic and the Diocese of Cleveland believe nothing is more important than the safety and welfare of our students and expect that employees and volunteers will act at all times in a manner that is consistent with Catholic morals and that promotes the wellbeing of the students and young people in their care. We take any allegation of misconduct very seriously and encourage anyone who wishes to report any inappropriate conduct or abuse to contact local law enforcement as well as the Diocese’s Victim Assistance Coordinator at 216-696-6525, ext. 2321."