Chardon principal suspected of changing grades resigns, police investigating
CHARDON, Ohio (WJW) — The Fox 8 I-Team is breaking new developments in the case of a former local high school principal suspected of changing grades.
We have now uncovered a criminal investigation.
Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz tells the I-Team that Chardon police are investigating allegations that former High School Principal Douglas Murray altered student academic records.
Flaiz says Chardon Police are investigating the matter.
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“We are at the very beginning stages,” Flaiz said. “We want to understand exactly what happened, but it does appear there is a criminal element here and we will be looking at it. “
No criminal charges have been filed.
Murray resigned last week. His resignation stated he resigned due to personal reasons. The district provided a statement on the resignation but did not give any other information.
The Fox 8 I-Team filed a public record’s request and found the Chardon Local School District started an internal investigation on Murray after receiving a complaint in January.
The records the I-Team obtained show Murray resigned “under threat of termination or non-renewal” during an investigation regarding an “act unbecoming to the teaching profession.”
The documents further state Murray violated the district’s policy and procedures on at least two occasions by altering student academic records which resulted in “potential gain for the students involved.”
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Adam Ogint, whose daughter attends the high school, says he is upset by the allegations.
“I am very concerned,” Ogint said. “It’s upsetting. It is a trust factor.”
Ogint says he hopes the district takes steps so something like this doesn’t happen in the future.
Flaiz says he does not know how long the investigation will take.
“We will take our time and do things right,” Flaiz said. “We will look at it and if charges are appropriate than that’s what will happen.”
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