Ottawa County examines allegation against teacher

5/19/2001

PUT-IN-BAY - The Ottawa County sheriff's department is investigating an allegation that a teacher on this island made a threatening comment to her students.

The teacher has not been identified, but Chief Deputy Mark Putnam said the comment was made during preparation for a school play. He said he thought it was made in a joking manner.

"There was an off-handed comment made that was very inappropriate,'' Mr. Putnam said yesterday. "It is being investigated.''

He said Detective Randy Riedmaier has interviewed students and evidence has been turned over to the county prosecutor, although no determination has been made as to whether criminal charges will be filed.