High School Teacher Sentenced For Sexually Abusing 15-Year-Old Student

A former teacher at a Catholic high school who sexually assaulted a 15-year-old student was sentenced Friday to a probation term after she pleaded guilty to sexual battery.

Corissa A. McCalister, 22, of Steubenville, was sentenced to two years of probation and community service. She is also required to register as a sex offender within 90 days, People reported.

McCalister taught Spanish at the Central Catholic High School in Steubenville, Ohio. Aside from that, she also coached cross country and track. It was her first year of teaching.

The incident happened on March 30, when McCalister drove the unnamed male student home from a track meet at another school, WTRF earlier reported, citing the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Joe Myers said that McCalister parked her car at the Harrison County Fairgrounds in Cadiz, Ohio. The woman then had sexual intercourse with the teen in her car.

The mother of the teenager learned about the assault and immediately reported it to the school. Principal Thomas Costello informed other staff members, Diocesan Superintendent Deacon Paul D. Ward and authorities of the allegation.

McCalister was later placed on administrative leave. She was eventually fired.

She was arrested on April 23 and booked into jail on $100,000 bail, WOTV9 reported.

"I am deeply saddened by news of the allegations," Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton said in a release at the time. "I offer my prayers for healing for the victim and the victim's family as well as the Catholic Central school community."

Following the incident, a Diocesan Response Team reached out to the victim’s family and the school community to provide support.