BELLAIRE, Ohio — A Bellaire High School teacher was arrested Thursday on felony charges, prompting an ongoing criminal investigation.
According to the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office, 49-year-old Shawn Mark Valloric of Bellaire was taken into custody following an investigation into the alleged distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Detectives with the sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Unit, working alongside the Bellaire Police Department, executed a search warrant Thursday on Rosser Avenue after receiving a tip from the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Authorities said investigators gathered sufficient evidence within hours of receiving the information.
Sheriff David Zusack said Valloric was arrested less than eight hours after detectives were notified of the tip.
Valloric was booked into the Belmont County Jail on 10 counts of second-degree felony pandering obscenity involving a minor. According to Belmont County Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan, an arraignment date has not yet been scheduled.
The investigation remains active. Sheriff Zusack urged anyone with information related to the case to contact the sheriff’s office.
The Bellaire Local School District confirmed the employee has been suspended pending the outcome of the case. In a statement, the district said it has not been informed of any misconduct involving students or staff and will continue cooperating with law enforcement.
The case may raise concerns for local families and students as the investigation moves forward.
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