Marietta High School teacher accused of assaulting a student

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) – Christopher Van Reeth, 36, has been arraigned on one count of first-degree misdemeanor assault, according to Marietta Municipal Court.

According to the complaint, on October 4, the same day as the incident, the student’s mother sent an email to the interim principal of Marietta High School. The email said the student lowered his head in class when Van Reeth grabbed the student’s hood to lift his head. The student stated that he returned home with red marks on his neck.

It was later reported that the student received a medical report of an acute neck muscle strain.

Records show Van Reeth received an email from the parents, to which he responded explaining what happened. The report states that part of Van Reeth’s email states that he found the student sleeping and tried to wake him up by first nudging him, then prodding and elbowing him on the back, and finally tugging on the back of his sweatshirt. .

Marietta City Schools released a statement on Oct. 31 saying it was aware of the allegations against the teacher and took swift action as soon as it learned of them, which according to the complaint filed in Marietta Municipal Court occurred on Oct. 4, when the interim principal received and sent an email to the school’s Director of Resources.

The post said Marietta City Schools placed Van Reeth in home schooling, advised him to have no contact with students and staff and banned him from school property. They also said 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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