At least 6 students reported sub's alleged inappropriate contact before police told

LEECHBURG, Pa. — Police are investigating allegations that a substitute teacher in the Leechburg Area School District had inappropriate physical contact with female students.

Nine children have come forward to investigators and provided written statements outlining the nature of the inappropriate contact, which took place from about late February to Thursday, according to the Leechburg Police Department. The incidents occurred in the school.

The written statements indicated that children had brought the incidents to the attention of teachers and the principal. However, police said they did not learn of the allegations until Friday when a ChildLine report was received from a concerned teacher.

According to police, two female students told three teachers at the end of February about the substitute teacher’s inappropriate behavior. Then, in March, two more students reported it, one directly to the principal.

Channel 11 News learned from police that at least six children came forward before a teacher called ChildLine.

Leechburg Police Chief Michael Diebold said he addressed the school board two weeks ago with his concerns about the district and its administration.

“It appears to me that this administration puts keeping things quiet before the safety of students and staff,” Diebold said.

The Leechburg Police Department is asking parents to speak about the matter with their children, specifically female students between grades four and nine. Any parent who believes their child may have been subjected to the inappropriate contact is asked to call 724-842-8531 or 911.

A letter sent Tuesday to parents and guardians by the school district said, in part, the following:

"In light of recent allegations involving a substitute teacher, please be advised that there is an active investigation being conducted by the Leechburg Borough Police Department in cooperation with the Leechburg Area School District. Upon receipt of the allegation, the substitute teacher in question has been removed from the District's substitute list and has not been substituting in the District.

"As a school community, we are working together to support your children's education, safety and well-being."

Cox Media Group