Crystal Burke Faces Additional Felony Charges

MARIETTA, OH — Former Marietta Middle School basketball coach, 41-year-old Crystal Burke, is facing additional charges. She was arrested earlier this month for allegedly having sexual relations with a number of juveniles between the ages of 14-15.

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The Washington County Sheriff's Department’s investigation found that 8 months ago, Burke had provided five juveniles alcoholic beverages at her residence on Woodcrest Lane, in Marietta. The investigation alleges that she and three juveniles had sexual intercourse in her bedroom. Deputies also claim that she performed other sexual acts with the juveniles at various locations in the county. The investigation reports that all subjects interviewed confirmed the information.

The Sheriff's Department stated that they interviewed Burke at her residence on April 11. They said she admitted to having sexual intercourse with the three juveniles in her bedroom and admitted to the sexual acts at public locations in Washington County and the City of Marietta.

The case was dismissed today from the Marietta Municipal Court because she had been indicted by a Grand Jury on charges arising from this case. There are now three additional charges. She had originally been charged with 6 counts of corruption of a minor. Burke also faces two charges of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, and one count of rape involving a minor.

Nicole Coil is a prosecuting attorney for Washington County. She says as of right now it looks like the next time Burke is due in court will be either May 6 or May 7 for arraignment. “Depending on whether it’s assigned to Judge Kerenyi or Judge Halliday.”

Coil says the sheriff’s office is still investigating this case. “We are hopeful that this indictment covers all the charges that will be filed in the case.” She currently faces nine felony charges, but that number could change if additional evidence is uncovered. “The Washington County Sheriff's Office is still investigating and reaching out to individuals who might have been in contact with her as a result of her basketball position at the middle school.”

Burke’s bond had been set at $9,000 with the understanding that she have no contact with Marietta Middle School. She also has to keep appointments with L&P for mental health and alcohol or drug assessment and report the findings to her attorney. Additionally, she isn’t allowed to consume alcohol, illegal drugs or enter premises that sell alcohol by the drink. Coil says Burke is currently free on bond.

Patch reached out to Burke’s attorney Rolf Baumgartel. We will update this story if he returns our request for comment.

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