Sex charges against former teacher may be dropped

YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul J. Gains has asked for dismissal of six counts of sexual battery against a former Austintown Fitch High School teacher, because the alleged victim won’t testify.

Gains filed a motion today   to dismiss the indictment against Gerald E. Reedy, 57, of Alverne Drive, Poland, who was charged with having sexual contact with a 16-year-old female student during 2005. During that time, she turned 17.

Reedy was scheduled to go on trial Wednesday in the courtroom of Judge Maureen A. Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, who has not ruled on Gains’ motion. Reedy retired in March 2006 after 33 years with the school district.

The prosecution has no alternative other than requesting dismissal because of the alleged victim’s refusal to testify in the trial, Gains wrote.

Attached to Gains’ motion was a Feb. 20 letter he received from the alleged victim, now 18 and living in Indiana, in which she said, “I am not emotionally strong enough to appear and testify.”

Last month, Judge Sweeney sentenced Paul J. Snyder, 51, of Jamison Place, Canfield, to a total of six years in prison on four counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and fined him $20,000 after he pleaded guilty to having sexual relations with the same female.

For full story, see Tuesday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.