MOUNT VERNON — Former Highland High School head girls basketball coach Jeff Maibach has been placed on paid administrative leave after being investigated by the Morrow County Sheriff’s Department. Maibach, who resigned after last season, is being investigated for allegedly having sexual relations with several underage female students.
Morrow County Sheriff Detective Stoney Hall, with the Special Investigations Division, confirmed the investigation this morning, but said no charges have yet been filed.
“The investigation is still ongoing,” said Hall, who went on to describe the concerns as inappropriate actions with students.
Highland Local Schools superintendent Tim Hilborn placed Maibach on leave during the investigation into the claims, and addressed the school board during a meeting Thursday night.
“I have a need to inform the board and the public that I have assigned an employee to work from home pending an investigation by the Morrow County Sheriff’s Department,” Hilborn told the board. “The school district is fully cooperating with the sheriff’s department. We respect the process of investigation when a complaint is filed. Everyone wants to know what is going on, but we, the school, cannot and will not, make any further comments at this time.”
According to Hall, the investigation into Maibach is expected to be completed next week, though Hilborn said no timetable has been set. Hall said he still has several individuals to interview before it can be completed.
“There is a process when an investigation is being performed,” Hilborn said. “This is the decision we’ve made and the path that has been taken.”
Highland school board president Bill Short said the board is aware of the investigation and is confident the right decisions will be made.
“First and foremost, we are concerned with the safety and well-being of our students,” Short said. “I would also like to say, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. We trust the Morrow County Sheriff’s Department and the outcome of their investigation.”
Maibach teaches social studies at Highland High School and is also an assistant football coach. A substitute teacher is filling Maibach’s absence.
