COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Johnstown-Monroe middle school track and wrestling coach has been arrested and charged with sexual battery following allegations involving a student from a previous school.
Kory Ross, 34, was taken into custody on Monday after authorities filed a complaint in Fairfield County Common Pleas Court, accusing him of engaging in sexual conduct with a student while employed at their school.
According to Johnstown-Monroe School District officials, Ross was hired in October 2024, and the allegations stem from incidents dating back to September 2023—before he began working for the district. Superintendent Dr. Philip Wagner clarified that, to their knowledge, the allegations do not involve a Johnstown-Monroe student.
Ross has been placed on unpaid administrative leave, and the district emphasized that all coaches undergo thorough background checks as required by law.
Court documents state the incident occurred while Ross was working at Pickerington Ridgeview Junior High School. Pickerington Local Schools confirmed that Ross resigned from his position there, effective April 1, 2023.
The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case.
