Ohio football coach indicted on sex charges for his relationship with a student under 13 years old

An Ohio football coach was indicted and is facing some pretty crazy allegations today, for charges of having sexual conduct with juvenile victims while he was employed at a school district in Geauga County.

Louis A. Cirino, 40, of Columbia Station, was arrested on Friday. Cirino is facing a felony charge of sexual battery and a felony charge of gross sexual imposition. Cirino was the Strongsville High School football coach and a teacher at the school.

According to the indictment, the sexual battery offense allegedly happened between Dec. 21, 2009, and December 20, 2010, and the offense of gross sexual imposition allegedly happened between December 21, 2004, and December 20, 2005. The gross sexual imposition charge also states the victim was under the age of 13 at the time of the offense.

Coach Cirino was placed on Administrative Leave back in December 2023 when the former student came forward about the allegations.

According to the indictment the victim was under 13-years-old.

A judge set his bond at $10,000.

The Superintendent of the School released this statement:

Dear Strongsville Families:

In December, I informed you that a member of our Strongsville High School staff had been placed on paid administrative leave as a result of allegations of an inappropriate relationship involving a student while the staff member was employed by another school district. This morning, the staff member, Louis Cirino, was arrested on charges of Sexual Battery and Gross Sexual Imposition. Due to this arrest, Mr. Cirino has been placed on unpaid administrative leave. Since December and moving forward, Mr. Cirino has not and will not be permitted to be on any school grounds or have contact with any Strongsville students.

We approach every claim of misconduct with utmost seriousness and conduct comprehensive investigations into each matter. Although the allegations of Mr. Cirino’s involvement in an inappropriate relationship pertained only to a former student at his former district of employment, in accordance with board policy, the Strongsville City School District initiated an internal investigation. The internal investigation did not produce any evidence that Mr.Cirino engaged in inappropriate conduct with any Strongsville student. Our District will continue to cooperate with local and county law enforcement agencies as this matter progresses.

Maintaining the well-being and safety of our students is the top priority of the Strongsville City School District. If you ever have a concern about student well-being, please be aware that all students, families, and community members have access to the anonymous Stay Safe. Speak Up! tipline at 1-866-listen2me (1-866-547-8362).