Ohio Teacher Accused of Sex with 2 Boys

(Akron, Ohio) A 36-year-old special-education teacher at Springfield High School, Renee Smith, was arrested Friday for allegedly engaging in sexual relations with two 17-year-old male students of which at least one was a special-needs student in her class.

Smith faces two felony counts of sexual battery. Although without formal charges filed, Smith has also been accused of providing alcohol to the students.

From Beacon Journal:

The investigation of Smith began Sept. 26, when a female student told another teacher about second-hand information she heard concerning "sexually explicit behavior" by Smith with one male student, according to Superintendent Jerry Pecko.

School administrators notified Springfield Township police and the Summit County Children Services Board that same day, he said.

Smith was placed on administrative leave the following day and never returned to the classroom, he said.

By Dec. 1, Pecko said the Children Services Board informed the school district that "the sexual abuse report was substantiated." Smith resigned, effective Dec. 4.

Smith was booked into the Summit County Jail and released on $2,500 bond.


[Update 07/11/07]

Smith pleads guilty.