Special Ed Teacher Accused Of Having Sex With Female Student

A special education teacher in Ohio, hasbeen indicted by a grand jury after being accused of having sex with a female student at the school where she worked. 

Jennifer Walsh, 26, was an employee at Sycamore High School in Montgomery, according to WXIX, a Cincinnati-based Fox affiliate, and she was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of sexual battery on October 29. Court documents show that the incidents occurred from May 2018 to August 2018.

Walsh resigned a day after the allegations had surfaced.

The police investigation into Walsh began on October 16, after a Hamilton County Job and Family Service investigator reported an incident between Walsh and a 17-year-old female student.

Walsh's computer and phone were seized as part of the investigation, according to WXIX.

In an email sent to parents, the school's administration explained the status of the case.

"It is with deep sadness that we inform you of a situation involving a former Sycamore High School employee," the email said. "Montgomery Police is investigating allegations that former teacher Jennifer Walsh engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a student. Walsh has resigned. Investigators believe this was an isolated incident and that the alleged inappropriate behavior did not occur at school."

The victim was not named in reports, as she is a minor.

A school spokesperson confirmed to WCPO, another Cincinnati-based news outlet, that the student attended the school where Walsh taught and is not disabled.

The alleged encounter is not believed to have occurred on school property.

Sycamore High School has released Walsh’s letter of resignation, which was sent three days after police became aware of the crime.

"As of today, October 19th, 2018, I am hereby resigning from my position as an Intervention Specialist at Sycamore High School," reads the letter. "Thank you for the opportunity to work for such a great education institution."

Walsh had been on paid personal leave prior to the accusation.

Five witnesses came forward to testify about the illicit relationship, one of whom was a teenager.

Walsh turned herself in to deputies at the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Downtown. She then posted $100 bond and was released.

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Walsh may be placed on the state's registry of child abusers.

Walsh had been employed in the school district since 2014, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

[Photo: Hamilton County Sheriff's Office]