CHARLEROI, Pa. — A Charleroi School District student is facing felony charges, accused of sexually assaulting another student with a hammer.
The superintendent said everyone was fully clothed at all times. He stressed that what happened is unacceptable with serious consequences.
The suspect, 18-year-old Michael Obitko, of Charleroi, was taken to jail after accusations he sexually assaulted a female student with a hammer last Tuesday during seventh period art class.
According to the criminal complaint, Obitko and the alleged victim had been “joking around in art class” and she and another student were throwing paper at him. The complaint states that Obitko was holding a hammer and told them, “If they were to throw another piece of paper at him, that he was going to shove this up their (expletive).”
The victim and witness told investigators that Obitko charged at the student, held her down, and shoved the wooden hammer handle against her for about 30 seconds.
“You are responsible for your actions. (This) action is absolute unacceptable.” said Superintendent Ed Zelich.
Zelich said the district didn’t find out about the incident until the next day, when the alleged victim reported it to the police. Zelich said no other students spoke up in class, which is an oversized art room, and the teacher didn’t hear or see anything.
“The room is a double size class-- 50 feet in length,” Zelich said. (“It’s) a large room with partitions. (The teacher) was helping another student with a project.”
Zelich described it as horseplay, though police disagree given the seriousness of the charges.
“It was absolutely horseplay but did get carried away. Again, you are responsible. There are consequences for your actions,” Zelich said.
Obitko was released from jail. He is currently suspended from school and has an informal hearing later this week.
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