LEECHBURG, Pa. — A 20-page search warrant exclusively obtained by Channel 11 News Friday revealed new details about how many Leechburg High School administrators were told about a substitute teacher accused of inappropriately touching female students.
According to the warrant, Leechburg High School principal Matt Kruluts, assistant principal Michelle Ferretti, science teacher Patty Osbourne and health teacher Jessica Ferragonio all knew about the alleged child abuse in the district months before someone finally reported one of the incidents to ChildLine, Pennsylvania’s child abuse hotline.
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Among the evidence documented in the search warrant were internal emails, one of which police said Ferragonio sent to the assistant principal on April 26, three weeks before police knew anything about months’ worth of allegations against the substitute teacher.
"It was brought to my attention that two students feel extremely uncomfortable with (the substitute teacher). They mentioned instances where he had commented on their attire and touched their leg or hips. I want to make sure I alerted someone of this. I just wanted to let someone know in case they were not the girls who have already complained in the past,” read part of Ferragonio’s email.
At least 10 girls came forward to report abuse as early as March to teachers and the principal, according to the search warrant. Police said they didn’t learn of the girls’ reports or the allegations until May.%
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The search warrant said two students told their story to a school cafeteria worker, who went to the principal a number of times, and when nothing was done, the man called ChildLine.
According to the search warrant, one girl told police that in April the substitute teacher put his arms around her, held her and told her, “I love you.” Another girl said he touched the back of her thigh, and another said he rubbed her hair and arms.
Police said the statements show that staffers, who are mandated reporters, should have taken actions.
Leechburg police brought Kruluts to the police station three days after the ChildLine call had been placed and read him his Miranda rights. According to the search warrant, the principal told officers that he had heard the rumors about abuse at least twice before the call to ChildLine was made, but said he couldn’t remember who the girls were that confided in him. He also added that he didn’t think any crime had been committed, the search warrant said.
In addition to officers’ conversations with the principal, the search warrant detailed a conversation that social service workers had with a 17-year-old Leechburg student who came forward with allegations against the substitute teacher.
Based on what she said, police believe administrators tried to get the teen to change her story. Authorities said the girl went to Ferretti and then Kruluts, but they ignored her claims. According to the search warrant, the girl went to police in May and filed a report.
After filing the report, the girl was asked to come to the assistant principal’s office, where Ferretti allegedly told her, “Well, the (expletive) has hit the fan,” the search warrant said. The warrant said Ferretti wanted the alleged victim to write a statement saying nothing happened after she first came forward and the girl refused.
Following the execution of the search warrant on Thursday, Kruluts, Ferretti, Osbourne and Ferragonio were all placed on administrative leave, but they have not been charged with anything.
Authorities said the accused substitute teacher has also not been charged, but added their investigation is ongoing.