Marietta High School teacher accused of assaulting student

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) – Christopher Van Reeth, 36, has been charged with a first-degree felony, according to Marietta Municipal Court.

According to the complaint filed, the student’s mother sent an email to Marietta High School’s interim principal on Oct. 4, the same day the incident occurred. The email stated that the student was sitting in class with his head bowed when Van Reeth grabbed the student’s hoodie by the hood to pull his head up. The student stated that they came home with red spots on their necks.

It was later announced that the student was given a medical prognosis for an acute neck muscle strain.

The file states that Van Reeth forwarded the parent’s email and he responded with his explanation of what had taken place. According to the report, part of Van Reeth’s email states that he found the student sleeping and tried to wake them up, first by nudging them, then using his elbow to push and tap them on their back, and finally by pulling on the back of their sweatshirt. .

Marietta City Schools issued a statement on October 31 saying they were aware of the allegations against a teacher and took swift action as soon as they became aware of them. According to the complaint filed in Marietta Municipal Court, that was on October 4, when the interim principal received the email and forwarded it to the School Resource Officer.

The post states that Marietta City Schools sent Van Reeth home, instructed him not to have any contact with students or staff and banned him from being on school grounds. They also stated that they will continue to cooperate fully with local law enforcement.

According to online Marietta Municipal Court records, Van Reeth is scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 18 at 9 a.m.

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