Former Ringgold counselor arrested, charged with having sex with student

MONONGAHELA, Pa. — During a news conference Thursday morning, police announced that Lianne Danko had been arrested and charged with three counts of institutional sexual assault.

Investigators said Danko, a former guidance counselor at Ringgold High School, had sex at the Park & Ride in Belle Vernon with a Ringgold football player, and at one point, showed up at a game wearing a T-shirt with the player’s name on it.

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Police said the relationship started with text messages after the student, 18, went to Danko to discuss problems that he was having with his girlfriend.

“Following the encounters, Danko exchanged texts and her desire to have sex, and that after he graduates they can get their own place and make it official,” said Rostraver Police Chief Gregory Resetar.

Danko sent the student a picture of herself in lingerie and told him to delete it, investigators said.

After they had sex, she told him that he couldn’t tell anybody or she could lose her job.

According to police, Danko was caught after the victim sent his friend a screenshot between the two talking about their relationship.

“It's very shocking, more shocking to see she was arrested,” said Ringgold graduate Velma Secrist. “At least they are doing something about it."

School officials said Danko was removed from school district property after the allegations came to light in February.

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