Crime & Safety
Pittsburgh-Area Teacher Charged With Student-Related Sex Crime
A Pittsburgh-area high school teacher is facing multiple criminal charges after alleged inappropriate actions involving a student.
PITTSBURGH, PA — A Pittsburgh-area teacher and former elected official has been charged with trying to sexually assault a student while in school.
Martin Gatti, 50, a Laurel Highlands High School teacher and onetime Uniontown City Council member, has been charged with attempted institutional sexual assault, unlawful conduct with a minor and corruption of minors.
He has been placed on administrative leave.
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"Allegations of this nature will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Fayettte County District Attorney Michael Aubele said in a social media statement.
"We are grateful to the swift action taken by the Laurel Highlands School District administration to remove the defendant from school grounds; the thorough investigation by (the Pennsylvania State Police) and the bravery of the individual who has come forward to report these alleged crimes."
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The alleged incident occurred in an empty classroom which Gatti invited the student into, the Observer-Reporter of Washington reported.
Aubele said the investigation is ongoing.
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