Theatre teacher charged with felony sexual battery of student

An Ohio high school theatre teacher was arrested on felony charges of sexual battery, after allegedly having sexual contact with a student.

According to reports, Jeffrey Sherman, was placed on paid administrative leave by Sandusky City Schools in September following an incident where inappropriate photos were sent of a man who appeared to be Sherman unclothed from "just below the waist, up."

The felony charges of sexual battery are tied to alleged sexual involvement with a high school student.

“Through the investigation ... it was learned he did have sexual contact with a student and was charged with sexual battery,” Sandusky police Detective Kevin Youskievicz told local news.

Sandusky High School

In addition to his theatre involvement, Sherman is a pastor at the East Parish Street Church of Christ in Sandusky.

The Sandusky State Theatre's website lists Sherman as director of a 2018 musical starring the Theatre Workshop Kids.

For his part, Sherman is denying the allegations. He said his phone was hacked and someone stole the photo and "sent it to themselves."

“I maintain my innocence,” Sherman said to local news. “I’ve never had any sexual relations with any student while they were in high school.”

Sandusky Schools is working with Sandusky police to investigate the incident.

This is a developing story. We will update it with new information as it becomes available.