Indiana teacher fired after sex abuse charges in Ohio

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana School for the Deaf has fired a 42-year-old teacher after he was charged in Ohio with felony sexual misconduct charges involving a student in 2005.

Jerry R. Claus was charged last month in Ohio's Erie County for allegations involving a 13-year-old girl in Ohio, according to WRTV-TV.

Claus was extradited from Indiana and jailed on Feb. 25. He was released on bond, according to the Erie County Sheriff's Office.

Claus taught at the Indiana School for the Deaf from 2013 until last month.

Attorney Troy Wisehart said his client is innocent.

'œHe maintains his innocence and looks forward to clearing his name,'ť Wisehart said. 'œThese allegations happened 15 years ago.'ť

His arraignment was set for March 30.

Indiana School for the Deaf Superintendent David Geeslin notified staff last month, according to WRTV.

'œThe allegation took place off school property in Ohio,'ť Geeslin said in a Feb. 25 email. 'œWhen we recently learned of this allegation, we immediately removed the teacher from contact with students and have been working closely with the Ohio police to support their investigation.'ť