Wilmington Area High School music teacher accused of inappropriate relationship with student

A Wilmington Area High School music teacher is accused of having a sexual relationship with a student.

Olivia Ortz, 26, of Hermitage was charged Tuesday with unlawful contact with a minor, criminal use of a communication facility and two counts of institutional sexual assault.

Charges stem from an investigation that was launched April 18.

Ortz’ husband, who also works as a contract employee with the school district, told the school of his wife’s alleged affair with a 17-year-old student, according to a New Wilmington police report.

The principal and Mr. Ortz jointly reported the issue to the online Childline reporting service, who reported it to police.

Officers spoke to the student, who police said admitted to the relationship and being over to Ortz’ house when the husband was away on a trip.

“The student indicated that at first (they) considered Olivia Ortz a ‘safe adult’ that she trusted and confided in about her personal problems and relationship problems, but then it turned into a romantic relationship,” the police report read.

Police said detectives served a search warrant at Ortz’ home and seized her cell phone, iPad and a DNA sample.

Officers found the teacher and student posted more than 100 messages for each other on Spotify from May 10-11 alone.

Online court documents indicated Ortz remains in the Lawrence County Prison unable to post $150,000 bail.

Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 31 before District Judge Richard A. Russo.