Uniontown parents are grappling with a second serious accusation at Laurel Highlands High School after another educator was charged with institutional sexual assault, according to local reports. Authorities say the latest case involves alleged inappropriate conduct with a student and comes just days after a different teacher in the same district was arrested on related allegations. The district has notified families and staff and says it is cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
As reported by CBS News, reporter Shelley Bortz noted that the new charges were filed following an investigation by local authorities and allege inappropriate behavior with a student. The station also pointed out that the arrest closely follows another teacher’s recent arrest on similar allegations at the same school. Officials have not released full charging documents and say additional details are expected as the case moves through the courts.
District response
The Laurel Highlands School District posted a letter from Superintendent Dr. Wallace on its website Tuesday acknowledging the arrests and stating that administrators are cooperating with police. The district’s message says staff are working to inform families and support students while investigators proceed, but it does not include names or charging paperwork. District officials did not immediately provide further details in response to media inquiries.
What the charge means
“Institutional sexual assault” is a specific offense under Pennsylvania law that covers sexual contact by someone in a position of authority. The charge is prosecuted under 18 Pa.C.S. §3124.2 and is treated as a felony. A conviction can bring felony-level penalties under state law. As in any criminal case, the charges are allegations at this stage, and the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
How to report or get help
Anyone with information about this case or concerns for a child’s safety is urged to contact local law enforcement or Pennsylvania’s ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313, the state’s child-abuse reporting hotline. County children and youth agencies and local advocacy centers can also connect families with counseling and support services. The district’s news post lists points of contact for families seeking school-based resources.
The district’s letter and local reporting both note that the investigation is ongoing and that formal charging documents and court dates have not yet been posted publicly. This story will be updated as officials release more information and court records.
