Authorities investigate allegations

A few girls came forward alleging abuse, a sheriff's detective said.
SALEM -- Columbiana County officials are investigating whether a custodian at Prospect School, who also is an auxiliary Salem police officer, has molested children.
The county sheriff's and prosecutor's offices and the Department of Children Services are working together.
Salem Police Chief Michael Weitz said Wednesday that when county officials notified him of the probe, city officials put the man on administrative leave.
Auxiliary police officers are volunteers who ride with full-time officers at least six hours a month and help with parades and other events. Those who have taken firearms training may carry a weapon only on duty. The officers are not paid.
Superintendent Stephen Larcomb said he was told of the allegation by the school's principal Nov. 22; the incident reportedly happened Nov. 18. The school houses pupils in grades four through six.
Larcomb said he put the man on home assignment with pay. The man has worked for the board for about four years.
The superintendent notified Children Services as a matter of board policy.
Sheriff's Detective Allan Young said the investigation has turned up other allegations of abuse involving girls at the school.
"As we got into it, some other people came forward," Young said.
County Prosecutor Robert Herron did not put a time limit on the investigation, adding, "We'll take as long as we have to."
Larcomb said he will conduct his own investigation into whether the employee broke board policy.
Officials declined to say how the initial allegation came to light.