News Summary
A teacher from Canon-McMillan High School has been arrested and charged with 13 counts of institutional sexual assault and one count of criminal use of a communication facility. The allegations stem from an inappropriate relationship with a former student, which included numerous messages and gifts. The investigation was initiated after a concerned parent reported concerning messages found on their daughter’s phone. The school district is cooperating with the investigation while emphasizing student safety and the responsibilities of educators.
Canon-McMillan, Pennsylvania – A 48-year-old teacher from Canon-McMillan High School, Justin White, has been arrested and charged with 13 counts of institutional sexual assault and one count of criminal use of a communication facility. The charges arise from an alleged inappropriate relationship with a former student, which has initiated significant legal and educational repercussions.
White voluntarily turned himself in to authorities accompanied by his lawyer and was subsequently taken into custody. The arrest followed an investigation triggered by a concerned father who discovered a series of inappropriate messages and images on his daughter’s phone. In light of this discovery, the father swiftly reported his findings to law enforcement, leading to an inquiry by the North Strabane Police and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.
The alleged relationship reportedly began in October 2023 but became sexual only after the victim turned 18. During this time, White is accused of giving the victim gifts, including a necklace and a burner phone intended for private communication. The investigation highlighted that numerous sexual encounters allegedly took place at various locations such as White’s classroom during school hours, a park-and-ride lot, and several industrial facilities.
According to the investigation, more than 8,000 messages and over 14,000 emails were exchanged between White and the victim over several months. Disturbingly, some of these communications occurred through the school district’s email server, rendering them illegal under institutional sexual assault laws. Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh stated that White’s actions exemplified an abuse of trust inherent in his position as an educator.
Following the charges, White has had his bond set at $150,000 and has been ordered to have no contact with the victim as well as with the Canon-McMillan School District. In response to the situation, the school district has announced their full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation. Moreover, upon learning of the allegations, White was immediately placed on administrative leave, reflecting the district’s commitment to maintaining a safe educational environment.
A preliminary hearing for this case has been scheduled for August 5, 2025. The investigation continues as local authorities work diligently to uncover the full extent of the relationship and any additional implicated parties.
This incident has raised alarming concerns within the community regarding student safety and the responsibilities of educators. As details continue to emerge, stakeholders in the Canon-McMillan area remain focused on supporting affected students and reinforcing a culture of vigilance against misconduct in educational settings.
As the legal process unfolds, the Canon-McMillan School District remains in the spotlight, tasked with ensuring the integrity and safety of its educational environment while navigating these serious allegations. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of reporting any suspicious or inappropriate behavior in schools to help protect students from similar situations in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WTAE: Canon-McMillan High School Teacher Accused
- Wikipedia: Institutional Sexual Assault
- CBS News: Teacher Charged with Sexual Assault
- Google Search: Canon-McMillan High School teacher sexual assault
- WPXI: Teacher Accused of Sexual Relationship with Student
- Google News: Canon-McMillan High School
- Trib Live: Police Charge Teacher with Having Sex with Student
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
