In May, several Olentangy Hyatts Middle School students were accused of contaminating food they had prepared and served to teachers. The allegation was that the boys added urine and semen to the food. The Delaware County Prosecutor charged seven students Tuesday with crimes ranging from tampering with evidence to felony assault.
More than three months ago, Sheriff Russ Martin’s office began the investigation. According to NBC4, the “students in the home economics class Global Gourmet were preparing crepes to serve some of their teachers but one of the students allegedly tainted the food with urine and a bodily fluid [semen] before feeding it to the teachers.”
Hyatts Middle School Principal Derrick Gilliam, Superintendent Mark Raiff and Olentangy Local School Board Members were contacted for comment. On their behalf, Kristyn Wilson, assistant director of communications for the district, replied with a statement:
We are aware that charges have been filed in this case and we thank law enforcement for their due diligence. As a district, we are saddened that these charges are a result of actions that took place at one of our schools. Our teachers deserve respect and kindness, and anything less than that is unacceptable. We will continue to support law enforcement in every way possible.”
“It’s time for the judicial system to do its job and we have full confidence it will serve the victims while holding the students accountable,” said Delaware County Sheriff Russell Martin. “Now is the time to be considerate of all parties involved. It is not a time to use social media as a destructive or vengeful means of messaging, which unfortunately has become all too common in today’s society. The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to supporting our teachers and students in creating safe and productive learning environments.”
Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel’s responded to The Ohio Star’s request for comment. “The incident charged in the complaints is alleged to have happened on May 16. Since then the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, interviewing witnesses and victims. Once the investigation was complete, our office reviewed the investigation, consulted with law enforcement, and the victims and filed the complaints,” she said.
Olentangy residents weighed in as well. Their focus was on the home and the importance of parenting.
Former Olentangy School Board Member and parent Adam White shared, “Perhaps we, parents, should pause and re-evaluate the relationship we have with our own children.”
Katy Barricklow agreed. As an Olentangy parent and a former candidate for school board, she noted, “One thing I know for sure, parents need to hold their kids accountable for poor decisions. I’ve had to do it and it’s not easy but it’s important. I’ve witnessed parents cover up and even lie about their kids bad behavior because they don’t want them to have it on their ‘permanent record’. Also, you can never teach too much about good character, both at home and school.”
The prosecutor gave the dates and arraignment information for the boys. They are currently scheduled to be in court on September 16 and 20. Victims will be permitted to speak.
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Photo “Hyatts Middle School” by Olentangy Hyatts Middle School.
