A Laurel Highlands High School teacher is facing felony charges after prosecutors say he tried to sexually assault a student inside his classroom earlier this year. Martin Clement Gatti, 50, has been charged in Fayette County in connection with an incident that authorities say happened on Jan. 9. The Laurel Highlands School District says it is cooperating with law enforcement, and the case remains active as prosecutors continue reviewing evidence.
According to WPXI, the Fayette County District Attorney's Office has charged Gatti with attempted sexual assault, unlawful contact with minors, and corruption of minors. WPXI reports that investigators are working with an audio recording of the alleged classroom conversation and that, once the complaint surfaced, Laurel Highlands School District removed Gatti from school grounds and placed him on administrative leave.
What Investigators Say Happened
The criminal complaint alleges that Gatti invited the student into his classroom, made suggestive remarks, and, at points, told her to "shut the door" before asking her to kiss him. The complaint notes the student reported "she was uncomfortable because she isn't one of his students, but complied because he is a teacher," according to CBS News Pittsburgh.
District Response And School Safety
The district website outlines a formal complaint process along with other student-safety resources, and the high school page lists building contact numbers and administrators' names as the district coordinates with investigators. The district has said it will follow its established protocols to protect students and is working with law enforcement as the case moves forward, WPXI reports. For building-specific contacts, see the Laurel Highlands High School page.
Part Of A Wider Regional Scrutiny
Cases like this have added fuel to ongoing concerns over how school districts and police handle reports of educator misconduct. For context, a separate institutional-sexual-assault prosecution in the Canon-McMillan School District drew local attention last summer. For background on that case, see Hoodline's coverage of the institutional-sexual-assault case.
Legal Process And What Comes Next
Gatti now faces felony counts that could bring significant prison time if he is convicted. Prosecutors have not yet released details on any indictment or bail conditions. Pennsylvania State Police say the investigation is still active and have asked anyone with information or who believes they had similar contact with Gatti to come forward, according to CBS News Pittsburgh. Authorities are directing tips to PSP Uniontown, Fayette County Crime Stoppers, and the Fayette County District Attorney's Office as the probe continues.
