Ohio Teacher Resigns After Former Student Alleges ‘Inappropriate Relationship’ Occurred More Than A Decade Ago

An Ohio teacher resigned Thursday amid allegations of an “inappropriate relationship” with a student, according to NBC 4.

Over the holiday break, Hilliard City Schools received a report from a former student of an “inappropriate relationship” between the student and Brian Tonti, a former teacher at Hilliard Darby High School, that occurred more than 10 years ago, according to NBC 4. Tonti was put on administrative leave and then resigned at the request of the school district following the allegations. (RELATED: Ex-Teacher Accused Of Grooming A Student, Pleads Guilty To Child Endangerment)

“We are deeply sorry that one of our graduates has been dealing with this, and we appreciate the courage it takes to come forward,” Hilliard City Schools Superintendent David Stewart said in a statement to NBC 4. “As disturbing as these allegations are, Mr. Tonti has a right to due process. We will continue to fully cooperate with the authorities.”

The alleged “relationship” between Tonti and the student, who was 17 years old when it began, occurred for nearly three years from Sept. 1, 2010, through May 30, 2013, according to the Columbus Dispatch. Toni is facing possible sexual battery and rape charges after the student reported the allegations to the Hilliard Division of Police.

Tonti had been a teacher within the district for 22 years, the Columbus Dispatch reported. The school has opened its own investigation into the allegations and will talk with students who were in Tonti’s classes for the 2022-2023 school year.

“At Hilliard City Schools, whenever a student or staff member makes a credible accusation about any kind of inappropriate behavior, we take that seriously and we act immediately – that includes conducting a thorough investigation for all such reports and involving other local authorities as needed or required,” Stewart said in a statement to 10 WBNS News.

Tonti could not be reached for comment. Hilliard City Schools and the Hilliard Division of Police did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

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