MEDINA, Ohio — A Medina High School teacher has been placed on administrative leave after being indicted on two felony charges.
Medina City Schools officials say that 41-year-old Jason Sturm, a high school math teacher, was indicted on pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person and illegal use of minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance.
Sturm was placed on administrative leave on Nov. 29 due to the active police investigation.
"We understand charges of this nature are distressing, especially in a school environment involving an educator. We are relieved to know this situation did not directly impact current or former Medina City School District students or staff. We are thankful for the diligence and collaboration of the local police and district administration to ensure our students and staff remain safe," said Medina City Schools Superintendent Aaron Sable in a letter to parents.
According to Medina County Common Pleas Court records, the incidents happened in July 2021. Sturm is expected to appear in court for an arraignment hearing on Jan. 2, 2024, at 9 a.m.
The full message that was sent out to Medina City Schools parents/guardians can be viewed below:
"On November 29, 2023, Medina High School mathematics teacher Jason Sturm was placed on paid administrative leave due to an active police investigation. Today, we received word that Mr. Sturm has been indicted on two felony criminal charges: one count Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor and one count Illegal Use of Minor in Nudity Oriented Material or Performance.
We understand charges of this nature are distressing, especially in a school environment involving an educator. We are relieved to know this situation did not directly impact current or former Medina City School District students or staff. We are thankful for the diligence and collaboration of the local police and district administration to ensure our students and staff remain safe.
We do not have any additional information at this time and will share any new information with you should it become available. It is important to note that this is no longer a school matter but is under the direction of the Montville Police Department, prosecuting attorney, and local courts."
Earlier this year, A Medina High School social studies teacher was also charged with possession of child pornography and attempting to meet a teen for sex.
MORE ON WKYC...
