In Springfield, Ohio, a former teacher at a Catholic high school has admitted to charges of sexual misconduct involving a former student.
Michael McKenna, a 62-year-old from Enon, Ohio, pleaded guilty in Clark County Common Pleas Court to two counts of sexual battery. These are serious charges, classified as third-degree felonies. Initially, McKenna faced six charges, but as part of his legal proceedings, he entered a plea deal.
The charges date back to incidents that occurred between January 2017 and May 2018, when McKenna worked as a social studies teacher and football coach at Catholic Central High School in Springfield. The victim, at the time, was a student at the school. In March, after McKenna was indicted, the school took swift action and fired him from his position.
Now, McKenna faces the possibility of up to 10 years in prison and a fine that could go as high as $20,000. As part of his plea deal, he will also be registered as a Tier III sex offender, the most severe classification, which requires lifelong reporting and monitoring.
The court has scheduled McKenna’s sentencing for February 3. This date will determine the final outcome of the case and the punishment he will face for his actions.
This story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of trust in schools and the serious consequences when that trust is broken. Families and communities are left grappling with the fallout of such incidents, hoping for justice and healing.