Beth Center teacher accused of sexually assaulting Chaleroi 9th grader

CHARLEROI, Pa. — A Beth Center School District teacher is facing charges after police said he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old Chaleroi Area High School student.

According to the criminal complaint, Jeffrey Hahn, 23, produced a musical at Chaleroi High School beginning in November 2011. Officers said Hahn met the victim after she auditioned for the musical.

Hahn is a seventh-grade social studies teacher in the Beth Center School District but was hired by Charleroi School District to produce the musical only. School officials said all background checks were properly administered and Hahn passed.

Police said the victim noticed that Hahn was giving her more attention and asked for her cellphone number. The victim told police that Hahn began sending her text messages starting after practices began and continued into March.

Investigators said during a phone conversation on March 9 both Hahn and the victim said they loved one another. The victim said that Hahn told her several times not tell anyone of their relationship.

On May 4, police said the couple had met each other in the chorus room at Charleroi High School and Hahn asked the victim help remove stage props from a basement storage room.

When the girl went downstairs, police said Hahn began to kiss her and they both performed sexual acts on each other.

According to police, the victim’s parents were first to alert officials.

Charleroi Superintendent Brad Ferko told Channel 11’s Vince Sims that the situation is unfortunate and his main concern is for the victim.

"That person had gone through the background checks and had done everything we do with a hiring of someone to take over the school musical.  We never thought something like this would happen," Ferko said. "I know this is an incident police are looking into, but like I said before we are really concerned about the victim and her family and we'll be providing that support."

Ferko also said he believes this was an isolated incident and there is no reason to think there are other victims.

Hahn faces several charges, including sexual assault of a minor.

WPXI