Corrections officer accused of sex with teen
A Delaware County corrections officer is being held in jail after being indicted on multiple charges Friday.
Eric S. Jaynes, 31, of Sunbury, is facing 10 counts of sexual battery, all thirddegree felonies; one count each of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor, a second-degree felony, and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, a fifth- degree felony.
Delaware County prosecutor’s office spokeswoman Julie Datko said in a news release that the allegations came to law enforcement’s attention May 18. Police received a phone call alleging a potential sex offense involving a student at the Delaware Area Career Center South campus, Prosecutor Carol O’Brien said in the release.
Jaynes had volunteered at the Career Center as an instructor with the lawenforcement program.
The charges indicate the reported misconduct occurred between Jan. 1 and May 18.
The indictment alleges Jaynes engaged in sexual conduct with at least one female minor while he was Jaynes acting as the girl’s “athletic or other type of coach, is Jane Doe’s instructor ... or is a person with temporary or occasional disciplinary control over Jane Doe.”
The indictment also says that Jaynes took a photograph or video of a minor engaging in sexual activity.
Delaware County sheriff’s office spokeswoman Tracy Whited said Jaynes was placed on paid administrative leave May 19.
He was placed on unpaid leave Friday after the indictment, Whited said.
Delaware Area Career Center Superintendent Mary Beth Freeman said in a written statement that she was disgusted by the allegations and encouraged anyone with concerns to contact her.
She said the school has more than two dozen safeguards in place and continues to review those to make sure students are as safe as possible.
Jaynes is being held in the Knox County jail.
He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office detective bureau at 740833- 2835 or email csloan@ co. delaware. oh. us.