Two high school staff members facing charges after allegedly taping a student to a chair

UNION TOWNSHIP, OH - Authorities with Union Township Police Department (UTPD) announced that criminal charges have been filed against two West Clermont High School employees for allegedly taping a student to a chair. 

According to Lt. Scott Blankenship, the incident took place on March 1 in a classroom at the high school. However, WLWT reported that parents were not alerted about the incident until March 22, after administrators had been made aware of the alleged incident. 

Lt. Blankenship said that school officials found out about the incident a few days after it happened and reported it to UTPD as well as Children's Protective Services in Clermont County. He said, "It started out with these two staff members as a joke and it went a little too far. Charges are forthcoming."

He also stressed that the student was not taped to the chair for a long time, stating that it was for a "few minutes." 

The lieutenant added, "It wasn't like it was a long-duration thing. I don't want people to think the student was taped to the chair for 30 minutes or 25 minutes or even 15 minutes or five minutes. It should have been stopped earlier."

He confirmed that the student was not hurt, saying, "No one was injured." With the investigation still in its infancy, the lieutenant did not elaborate on the student, the positions the staff members held or what charges are being filed. He said, "The investigation is not closed on our end so we are limited in what we can say."

According to Mike Allen, a legal analyst, the charges that are possible include unlawful restraint, assault or endangering children. He explained, "If you unlawfully restrain someone, you're guilty under that statute. It's a misdemeanor in the third degree with the maximum possible penalty of 60 days and a $750 fine or both."

Allen also said that he believes it is unlikely the assault charge would be filed in this specific case, adding, "They would have to show that the kid suffered physical harm." Police stated that the student was not injured in the incident. He said that while the circumstances of this incident may fall under certain statutes, it does not necessarily mean that the charges will be filed. He said, "Just because elements of a statute apply, doesn't mean that the police have to charge. Again, [police] have discretion there."

The letter that was sent to parents from administration says, in part, "...The involved staff members were also immediately placed on administrative leave, preventing them from having any direct or indirect contact with students or staff. The involved staff members are no longer employed in the West Clermont School District. Per our policy on personnel issues, we cannot provide further comment at this time."

The letter added, "As always, the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. We are committed to excellence with every learner, every day, every way, and do not and will not tolerate behavior that runs contrary to this culture. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate this situation."