C&P Newswire
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A middle school track and wrestling coach for the Johnstown-Monroe School District was arrested and placed on unpaid leave Monday following allegations of sexual battery. Kory Ross, 34, is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with a student while he was employed by a school in which the student was enrolled or attended, according to a complaint filed in the Fairfield County Common Pleas Court. He was arrested on Monday and the district said it was notified Monday morning. He was charged with one count of sexual battery. Ross was hired by the district in October 2024. “The allegations resulting in Mr. Ross’ arrest stem from events dating back to September 2023, prior to Ross’ employment by Johnstown-Monroe, and to our best knowledge do not involve a Johnstown-Monroe student,” a statement from Superintendent Dr. Philip Wagner said. Ross was placed on unpaid administrative leave at Johnstown-Monroe. In a statement, the district reassured families that all coaches are subjected to a rigorous background check process prior to employment as required by law. An affidavit says the incident involved a student at Pickerington Ridgeview Junior High School, where Ross had previously worked. A spokesperson with Pickerington Local Schools confirmed that Ross resigned from the district effective April 1, 2023. The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the allegations.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 740-652-7900. Concerns can also be reported to the Safer Ohio School Tip Line at 844-723-3764.
