SPRINGFIELD — A former Clark County teacher is heading to prison after admitting to having sex with a student.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00 p.m., Michael McKenna was a social studies teacher at Catholic Central High School in Springfield.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Dozens of goats dead after Ohio barn fire
- Joann begins going out of business sales
- Police searching for domestic violence suspect in Greene County
News Center 7 previously reported that McKenna pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual battery in January of this year.
Today in court the victim, who was a minor at the time McKenna began an inappropriate relationship with her, spoke out about the experience.
“I had to come forward, because I never want anyone else to feel the same way that I felt all these years after what Mike did to me,” the victim said. “He gained my trust over years, and then persisted in turning the relationship into what he wanted, which was of a sexual nature.”
McKenna was her social studies while she was in high school.
“I believe he groomed and manipulated me extremely well, because even though I knew what he was doing was wrong, I trusted him,” the victim said in court.
The victim shared how she had tried to block out what happened from January 2017 to May 2018. But after battling in silence, she came forward in October of 2023.
“He took my innocence from me, and that’s something that I could never get back,” the victim said.
While the victim and her family spoke in court, McKenna never looked in their direction.
“I fully understand my behavior was inexcusable, and it’s caused so much pain and anguish and hurt,” McKenna said as he addressed the court.
He apologized to the victim and her family.
“I fully am remorseful for my actions. I know my apology may not be enough,” McKenna said.
The judge sentenced McKenna to two and a half years in prison and deputies took him into custody.
The Clark County Assistant Prosecutor Alice DeWine said she hopes this inspires victims to come forward whenever they are comfortable, no matter how much time has passed.
“Come forward... and tell your story. It may not be a case that’s able to be prosecuted but you still may be able to affect others by coming forward,” DeWine said.
When McKenna gets out of prison he is also sentenced to five years on parole and must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2025 Cox Media Group
