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O’DONNELL |
The superintendent of Indian Lake School District was released from jail Tuesday after posting a $100,000 cash or surety bond.
Patrick J. O’Donnell, 52, appeared in Bellefontaine Municipal Court on a gross sexual imposition charge for alleged sexual contact with a 13-year-old girl.
He was arrested on the charges Monday and was placed on paid leave during a school board meeting later that evening.
Special Judge James Rapp heard the case Tuesday and set bond at $100,000, according to court records. He scheduled a further hearing for 5 p.m. Monday, June 26.
The Logan County Prosecutor’s Office likely will present the case to a grand jury in July.
O’Donnell was ordered by the board to remain at his 3741 Township Road 215, Lewistown, residence during normal school hours and was barred from attending extracurricular school activities. Judge Rapp also ordered that he have no contact with the alleged victim, who resides in Logan County, but is not a student at Indian Lake, and have no guns in his possession.
Officers of the Washington Township Police Department were alerted to the allegations a week ago by Logan County Children’s Services.
The board of education had a regularly scheduled meeting Monday and, after an hour and 15 minute executive session, voted to place O’Donnell on paid administrative leave until proper protocol can be followed to place him on unpaid leave.
The board has scheduled a special meeting for 4 p.m. Friday to discuss the issue further.
Following the superintendent’s removal from office, the board voted to appoint current high school principal Robert Underwood as acting superintendent.
O’Donnell was hired in August 2010 to lead the district after 20 years at Sidney City Schools as a teacher, coach and administrator.