MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — A former physical education teacher at Mount Vernon Middle School has pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual battery after having sex with a female student in September 2018, according to court records and the Knox County Prosecutor's Office.
Andrew Walsh pleaded guilty Thursday to the sexual battery charge and is scheduled to be sentenced in April.
Charges of rape and gross sexual imposition were dismissed, according to court records.
The prosecutor's office said the victim and her mother delivered statements in court "describing Walsh’s grooming of the victim and his public reputation as a religious person. "
According to the criminal complaint, the victim told the Knox County Sheriff's Office the incident allegedly took place at Walsh's school office and she was 15 years old at the time.
The complaint also details a separate incident between Walsh and the victim where she said there was sexual conduct while she was babysitting at Walsh's home.
The complaint said Walsh texted the victim apologizing for his behavior and actions.
Mount Vernon City Schools superintendent William Seder told 10TV in July the district is taking this matter seriously and cooperated with law enforcement.
According to the district website, Walsh has been a physical education teacher at Mount Vernon Middle School for nine years.
The judge revoked Walsh's bond and he will be held in custody until his sentencing.
The prosecutor's office says he faces up to five years in prison and five years on parole.
He would also have to register as a sex offender for life.
