An Ohio assistant principal now faces nearly a dozen sexual battery charges involving multiple high school students after he was previously charged with alleged sexual misconduct involving one student.
Steve Barton, an assistant principal at Aiken New Tech High School in Cincinnati, was indicted on Thursday, October 8, on six counts of sexual battery and two counts of grooming in connection with an additional four students, the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office said in a news release.
The new charges come after Barton, 43, was initially separately indicted on five sexual battery charges and one grooming charge in relation to a 16-year-old student, according to prosecutors.
Allegations of sexual misconduct involving four more students, including two 15-year-olds and two 17-year-olds, emerged following his prior indictment, prosecutors said.
Barton is accused of misusing his position of authority within the high school to “have inappropriate physical contact with students,” the prosecutor’s office said.
An investigation revealed he allegedly viewed school records to see where students were attending class within the high school and would take them out of class.
Barton took students to “private locations,” and to go shopping, according to the prosecutor’s office.
He also was discovered to have driven students to and from school and allegedly sent them money over CashApp, prosecutors said.
Following his prior indictment in connection with a 16-year-old student, Barton pleaded not guilty, according to WXIX-TV.
In a statement shared with the TV station, Cincinnati Public Schools said, “The additional allegations announced today involving Steven Barton are deeply troubling. Our concern is for the students and families affected.”
“Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Shauna Murphy suspended Barton without pay, effective August 27, 2026,” the statement continued. “His termination is pending. He has not returned to Aiken High School or had access to students through his position since his arrest.”
The school district said officials will continue to work with authorities during the ongoing investigation.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
