MANSFIELD — A Lexington Village Council member, who works as a substitute teacher in the Lexington Local School District, is suspected of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, according to the Mansfield Police Department.
In early January, Mansfield police were notified in early January of a criminal complaint concerning possible improper behavior involving Erin Underwood, 43, and a male high school student.
Mansfield police were contacted due to a potential conflict between Lexington police and Underwood, who chairs the council safety committee. She was re-elected in November to her second term on council.
“The case has been investigated and the findings turned over to the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office for review and a request for charge(s),” said Mansfield police Capt. Shari Robertson. “Due to the fact the victim is a juvenile, we are not making any further comment concerning this case at this time.”
Police gave their investigation to the prosecutor’s office Friday. Prosecutor Gary Bishop said Tuesday he could not comment further at this time.
Lexington Supt. Mike Ziegelhofer said Tuesday he received a phone call about the investigation from Lexington Police Department.
“They made us aware of the situation and we haven’t called (Underwood) to ask for her services since,” the superintendent said. “She’s not our substitute teacher. She’s on a list we get from Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center. She’s subbed quite a bit in our high school, but we go down the list to see who is available.”
Ziegelhofer said his understanding was the alleged incident didn’t occur on school grounds and that a cell phone was involved. He declined further comment.
Underwood did not return a phone call at the time of publication.
The suspected offense is found in Ohio Revised Code 2907.31 and charges could range from a misdemeanor to a felony.
