Former Ohio gym teacher accused of 'grooming' first graders charged with sexual misconduct
CINCINNATI – A former Springboro physical education teacher has been charged with multiple counts of sexual misconduct for inappropriately touching elementary school students, according to prosecutors.
John Austin Hopkins, 25, of Springboro, has been indicted on 36 counts of gross sexual imposition, according to Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell.
On Monday, Fornshell said all of the charges involved first grade girls at Clearcreek Elementary.
Over a three-month period, there were more than 100 instances of physical contact captured on school surveillance in the gymnasium, Fornshell said. He said 88 students were involved. All of those incidents were presented to the grand jury.
Fornshell said the grand jury found 36 incidents of touching that rose to a criminal level. Those incidents involved 28 first grade girls. Fornshell said those situations of touching included having his hands up shirts or skirts, on buttocks, or straddling lap.
Hopkins is in custody but there is no arraignment scheduled.
Fornshell called this a situation of “grooming.”
The investigation started after a parent contacted Springboro Schools regarding inappropriate contact of a student. The district contacted Springboro Police.
At the time of the incidents, Hopkins was employed by the Springboro Community City Schools as a physical education teacher at Clearcreek Elementary and Springboro Intermediate.
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According to the indictment, released by Fornshell at a news conference Monday, Hopkins had "sexual contact" with a minor under the age of 13 in December 2018 on more than one occasion.
Hopkins taught first and sixth grade at both schools this school year, officials said.
In March, Hopkins was placed on paid administrative leave when the investigation into his behavior began. Shortly after, he submitted a letter of resignation.
School officials sent out a letter in March, telling parents and guardians that they had been in contact with police regarding possible misconduct involving Hopkins.
"The dialogue between our district parents and administration is paramount, as is the safety of every student in our district," Springboro Schools officials said in a Monday news release. "The Child Advocacy Center of Warren County (CAC) is offering a support/educational group for parents. This support group is located at the Child Advocacy Center of Warren County (320 E Silver St, Lebanon, OH 45036) and can be contacted at the following number, 513-695-3100."
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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Former Ohio gym teacher accused of 'grooming' first graders charged with sexual misconduct
