EATON – The Eaton Police Division and the Preble County Sheriff’s Office are investigating inappropriate contact between the Band Director, teacher at Eaton High School and a student. On Thursday, July 17th, an EPD detective met with a student and school staff, where the student, who is not involved in this case, reported possible inappropriate contact between a teacher and other students.
Later that day, the teacher was interviewed by EPD and admitted to inappropriate social media messages with the student. A victim was identified and interviewed following protocol in these cases. Detectives learned that the suspect had physical contact with the student over the last few weeks. During this interview, it was learned that these allegations occurred both at Eaton High School and at a residence in the county. It was then that PCSO joined the investigation.
Detectives developed sufficient information to obtain a warrant for the teacher’s arrest. The teacher, Paul E. Bingle, age 49 of Oxford, Ohio, was arrested upon his release from a medical facility in Hamilton County. He was housed in the Hamilton County Jail until he waived extradition and returned to Preble County on July 19th after he was interviewed by detectives.
Bingle has been formally charged with the following crimes in Eaton Municipal Court: Sexual Battery, a 2nd Degree Felony, including a sexually violent predator specification; Unlawful Sexual Conduct With A Minor, a 3rd Degree Felony; Sexual Battery, a 4th Degree Felony; Disseminating Matter Harmful To Juveniles, a 5th Degree Felony; and (4) counts of Grooming, 1st Degree misdemeanors.
Bingle is currently incarcerated in the Preble County Jail with a bond of $500,000. He is banned from being on school property if he is able to bond out.
Detectives from both agencies are continuing their investigation.
