Ex-band director charged in sexual battery

SALEM -- The former Salem High School band director was charged with sexual battery after he was accused of having sex with a Salem student.
James L. Purrington, 43, of West 12th Street, was recently indicted by the Columbiana County grand jury on a charge of sexual battery, a felony charge that on conviction can carry a five-year prison sentence.
He is accused of having sex with the 17-year-old girl May 26. Authorities declined to discuss details.
Purrington resigned last month from his $53,943-a-year job, citing professional and personal reasons.
He was arrested, booked at the county jail and released on a recognizance bond.