Elizabeth Renner, of New Philadelphia, is under three years of community control sanctions following a guilty plea.
Tuscarawas County Prosecutor Scott Deedrick says the gross sexual imposition charge relates to Renner and her husband taking temporary custody of a teenager in juvenile court until his 18th birthday.
“This was someone that had formally been a student of Ms. Renner, which is how she, knew him and the allegations are basically that she engaged in sexual contact with him despite that relationship.”
Deedrick says the guilty plea was on an amended charge taking away the count of sexual battery.
“Fundamental disagreement between the parties as to whether the sexual contact occurred before or after the young person turning 18. The state believed even if that were the case she was in a position of loco parentis, which is a legal concept that someone steps into the shoes of a parent and has certain responsibilities and obligations.”
Deedrick says the sentence was one recommended by the state, specifically that Renner undergo residential treatment.
“She was sentenced to three years of community control sanctions, known as probation. She has to comply with any sexual offender treatment that’s recommended, any substance abuse or mental health treatment. This is someone who has no criminal history. Has a very low risk score; however, this is certainly very concerning decision making and lack of judgement that was exercised.”
Renner must register as a Tier 1 sex offender for 15 years and attend the Eastern Ohio Correctional Center four-to-six-month treatment program.
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