A spokesperson confirmed the district was aware of the incident and the teacher was removed from the classroom pending the outcome of the investigation.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Ohio — A Columbus City Schools teacher was among 12 people arrested as part of a prostitution sting by the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said it conducted an undercover operation on March 7 to target people soliciting prostitution. The operation focused on people responding to online advertisements.
As part of the sting, the sheriff’s office said undercover deputies posed as individuals offering prostitution services. Throughout the operation, several suspects contacted the undercover deputies and arranged meetings at a designated location.
When the suspects showed up and confirmed their intent, the sheriff’s office said they were taken into custody and charged with engagement in sexual activity for hire.
CCS confirmed that one of the suspects, a 41-year-old man, taught fifth grade at Livingston Elementary School. A spokesperson confirmed the district was aware of the incident and he was removed from the classroom pending the outcome of the investigation.
In a release, Fairfield County Sheriff Alex Lape said these types of crimes contribute to a broader network of criminal activity and his office is committed to proactive enforcement.
Lape said his agency has received criticism from some people on running prostitution stings because “these are two consenting adults doing what they want to do.” He added the person who is receiving payment may not always be consenting.
“They may be human trafficked,” Lape said. “A lot of these workers are being trafficked and they’re being put in these positions against their will.”
The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office said anyone with information about human trafficking or related crimes can report it by calling 740-652-7900 or submit an anonymous tip through the sheriff’s office app.