School Administrator Arrested
Cincinnati assistant principal arrested and charged with sexual battery involving a student.
Anonymous
Steven Barton, a 43-year-old assistant principal at Aiken New Tech High School in Cincinnati, was arrested and charged with sexual battery after allegedly engaging in unlawful sexual conduct with a 16-year-old student Source 1. The incident occurred on August 26, 2026, and Barton was booked into the Hamilton County Justice Center with bond set at $75,000 Source 1. School administrators immediately reported the allegation to Cincinnati Police, and Barton was removed from duty with no contact allowed with students during the investigation Source 1.
Police substantiated the charges using the victim's detailed statement, school video surveillance footage, and Barton's own statements to investigators Source 1. Detectives suspect grooming behavior may have started during the previous school year and are urging other potential victims to come forward Source 1.
Charges Filed Under Ohio Sexual Conduct Law
Barton was charged under Ohio law that makes sexual conduct between school employees and students a felony, regardless of consent Source 1. The charge of sexual battery carries serious penalties due to the position of authority Barton held as an assistant principal Source 1. Ohio law treats such cases as inherent abuse of power, recognizing that school employees cannot legally engage in sexual contact with enrolled students Source 1.
School District Takes Immediate Action
Cincinnati Public Schools stated: "When school administrators learned of the allegation, they immediately contacted Cincinnati Police" Source 1. The district emphasized that Barton was removed from duty and will have no contact with students during both the criminal and internal investigations Source 1. School officials noted their primary concern is "the student's well-being and privacy" Source 1.
Police Investigating Possible Additional Victims
Cincinnati Police detectives expressed concern that Barton may have targeted other students Source 1. They believe grooming behavior may have escalated throughout the previous school year Source 1. Police are publicly urging any former or current students who suspect they were targeted by Barton to contact CPD District Three investigators Source 1.
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