COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio — One man is in jail after Colerain Township police said he is accused of inappropriately touching an elementary school student he drove in a contracted transportation service van.
Colerain Township police said Northwest Local School District contacted them Tuesday after a student at Struble Elementary reported that their driver inappropriately touched them. The school resource officers were able to identify the driver as 41-year-old Steffen Yates, who drives a contracted transportation vehicle.
After an investigation, including checking surveillance of the vehicle, police charged Yates with two counts of gross sexual imposition, third-degree felonies.
In a release, Northwest Local Schools said the driver worked for a contracted agency and was not part of the district's transportation department. Police said both the school district and the transportation agency have been cooperating.
“We commend the student for their bravery in reporting this incident and seeking help within the safety of the school,” said Darrell Yater, Superintendent. “We are also deeply appreciative of the swift and professional response from our school staff, school resource officers, and the Colerain Township Police Department.”
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Colerain Township Police Department at 513-321-2677.
