GALION — Former Galion High School athletic trainer Jon Vitello was recently arrested on a charge of pandering obscenity involving a minor. Vitello was a resident of Marion, where he was arrested on March 1.
Vitello is facing a felony to the second degree that carries between 2-to-8 years in prison for each count.
The following letter was sent to Galion parents from Galion City Schools Superintendent Jennifer Allerding:
“I am sharing some serious and concerning news we received today regarding an athletic trainer that had been working in our schools. We learned this morning that now-former Athletic Trainer, Jon Vitello, was arrested for possession of images considered exploitive of children. The Galion City School District is cooperating with Marion Police Department in an ongoing investigation that is taking place at this time. It goes without saying that we are disturbed and disgusted by the allegations, Allerding stated in her letter.
“Mr. Vitello was a contracted employee through a local healthcare provider and worked in the school district for five years. He will no longer be working for the school district in any capacity or have access to Galion buildings or events,” Allerding said in the letter.
“While the investigation is ongoing, the Marion Police Department has provided us with limited information. Moreover, the police department has shared that at this time, there is no evidence that Mr. Vitello was in possession of images of any Galion student that are considered exploitive of children, nor is there evidence of inappropriate contact with Galion students. He did, however, save photographs from social media sites, and the Marion Police Department has indicated that at least one photo is from a Galion athletic event posted on Galion Tigers Athletics,” Allerding said in the letter.
“Safety is always our primary concern, and keeping you informed is important to us. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement throughout the investigation. If you have any information you believe may be relevant to the in ivestigation. Please reach out to the Marion Police Department immediately at (740) 387-2222,” Allerding said in the letter.
“As a reminder, students and families are encouraged to anonymously report any concerning behavior through the reporting tool on our website, Galion City Schools Safe Reporting, or by calling or texting the Safer Ohio School Tip Line at (844) SAFEROH. Additionally, building principals, counselors, and the district social worker are always available to answer questions, develop action plans or connect you to the resources needed for your student. As always, please feel free to contact me directly at (419) 468-3432, ext. 11001, with questions or concerns,” Allerding concluded.
According to the Marion Police Department, there is no evidence to suggest that anything involved a student.
“These are serious crimes and they carry serious penalties. Our federal law enforcement and other partners are constantly monitoring the internet for people who are producing, trading or viewing child pornography and consumers of this disgusting crime will be caught and prosecuted. I am grateful for the work of the Ohio Internet Crimes against Children Task Force and the detectives of the Marion Police Department for their excellent work so far in this case” said Marion Police Chief Jay McDonald.
