Columbiana teacher indicted on sexual battery charge involving female student

February 4, 2009 at 6:38p.m.

COLUMBIANA — A Columbiana teacher faces up to five years in prison for alleged sexual activity with a 16-year-old female student.

Joseph Neiheisel, 26, of Cherry Fork Road, Leetonia, was secretly indicted last week by a Columbiana County grand jury on a charge of sexual battery as part of an alleged relationship with a female student.

He was released on a $10,000 recognizance bond. He has not entered a plea.

Kathy Green, the head of the teachers’ union, did not respond to a request for comment.

Tim McNicol, the assistant county prosecutor who handles sexual abuse cases, said today the sex act was consensual.

The indictment said the incident occurred in September.

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com