Trial set for Hamilton teacher accused of sex crimes involving student

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Hal R. Arenstein, Dattilo’s attorney, met with prosecutors before a scheduled hearing March 20, in Butler County Common Pleas Judge Judge Noah Powers’ courtroom where a court date of June 20 was set.

Arenstein waived Dattilo’s appearance in court. She is free on bond.

The alleged crimes involve a female student, and the alleged encounters occurred off school property, according to Hamilton police.

The sexual battery charge is alleged to have occurred between Nov. 1 and Nov. 22, and the contributing charge between Oct. 1 and Dec. 18, according to the direct indictment handed down by a Butler County grand jury on Jan. 8.

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Dattilo, of Monroe, turned herself in to police. At arraignment on Jan. 9, she pleaded not guilty and was given a $5,000 bond with the ability to post 10 percent.

Police said parents reported a possible inappropriate relationship between Dattilo and the student to a school staff member, and police began an investigation right away.

She remains on unpaid leave, according to Joni Copas, the school district’s director of communications.

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The school district released the following statement after Dattilo’s arrest:

“As a result of an ongoing investigation conducted collaboratively with the Hamilton City Police Department, the Hamilton City School District has placed a teacher at Hamilton High School on administrative leave pending termination proceedings. Simply put, we will not tolerate behavior that places our children in jeopardy.”