Plum teacher previously acquitted in sex scandal investigated again

PLUM BOROUGH, Pa. — A Plum Senior High School teacher previously acquitted of witness intimidation related to the school’s sex scandal in 2015 was again under investigation, Channel 11 learned Thursday.

No charges will be filed against Drew Zoldak, but it's an unpleasant reminder of a scandal many are ready to move past.

“I just wish some of this stuff would go away,” said Plum Mayor Harry Schlegel.

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Schlegel knows many residents share his feelings on a scandal they continue to be reminded of.

On Wednesday, the school district announced a staff member was on paid leave after an unknown allegation at the school and that Allegheny County Police were investigating.

On Thursday, Channel 11 learned that staff member is Zoldak.

“I'm just disappointed, but what are you going to do?” said parent Paul Kontos. “Hopefully we’ll be done if he did something wrong; if he didn't, then he'll be acquitted.”

In 2016, a jury found Zoldak not guilty of intimidating a witness connected to a teacher sex scandal at the high school.

Three other teachers were sentenced to prison for having sex with students.

Zoldak is suing Plum Borough and police officers for their role in his arrest. That's why Schlegel says the complaint was immediately passed to county police.

"We didn't want it to appear that there were any improprieties or any prejudice because of the past history and any ongoing stuff," Schlegel said. "We just didn't want any involvement with it, so it was passed to the county."

It's still unclear what the allegation is against Zoldak, but late Thursday afternoon county police released a statement saying charges won't be filed:

“Based on our investigation to date, there is no indication of any criminal activity in this matter, nor will any criminal charges be filed at this time. Our investigation is closed.”

Channel 11 tried to reach Zoldak, but our calls and texts were not returned.

His attorney, Al Lindsay, tells Channel 11 he'll meet with Zoldak on Friday to discuss the investigation, adding he doesn't think it will interfere with the lawsuit against the borough.

Cox Media Group