Hal R. Arenstein, Dattillo’s attorney, met with prosecutors before the scheduled hearing in Judge Noah Powers’ courtroom and a new pre-trial hearing was set for March 20. Arenstein waived Dattilo’s appearance in court for today’s hearing. She is free on bond.
The alleged crimes involve a female student, and the alleged encounters occurred off school property, according to Hamilton police.
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The sexual battery charge is alleged to have occurred between Nov. 1 and Nov. 22, and the contributing charge between Oct. 1 and Dec. 18, according to the direct indictment handed down by a Butler County grand jury on Jan. 8.
Dattilo, of Monroe, turned herself in to police. At arraignment on Jan. 9, she pleaded not guilty and was given a $5,000 bond with the ability to post 10 percent.
Police said parents reported a possible inappropriate relationship between Dattilo and the student to a school staff member, and police began an investigation right away.
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Joni Copas, district director of communications, released the following statement after Dattilo’s arrest:
“As a result of an ongoing investigation conducted collaboratively with the Hamilton City Police Department, the Hamilton City School District has placed a teacher at Hamilton High School on administrative leave pending termination proceedings. Simply put, we will not tolerate behavior that places our children in jeopardy.”
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