OTTAWA — A cell phone containing possible evidence that could be used against a Kalida teacher accused of inappropriate behavior with female students can be used at trial, a judge ruled Tuesday.
Putnam County Common Pleas Judge Randall Basinger did not grant Jeremy Stober’s motion to suppress evidence. Stober is charged with sexual battery, attempted sexual battery, importuning and four counts of gross sexual imposition and tampering with evidence.
Stober was placed on administrative leave May 24 after allegations of inappropriate behaviors were made. He has since taken an unpaid leave of absence.
Basinger also ruled the prosecution must give Stober’s attorney access to all text messages, instant messages and computer messages the state plans to use as evidence against Stober.
Basinger’s ruling also includes corresponding messages state witnesses, including victims, sent to Stober. Stober is scheduled to stand trial Feb. 26.
One piece of evidence, a cell phone left in an office, could contain inappropriate videos and photographs of students, according to testimony from a previous hearing.
Stober, 42, is the district’s technology coordinator, and he was a coach for the school district. He is accused of inappropriate contact with three female students who have since graduated. The crimes allegedly took place between 2001 and 2012.
Stober began his career with Kalida schools in 1993. He served as the head girls volleyball coach for 13 years and an assistant boys basketball and baseball coach for 17 years.
Kalida Schools Superintendent Don Horstman said a cell phone was found while he and another staff member were collecting Stober’s personal items from his two offices at the high school and elementary school. Stober was not allowed to return to the schools or his offices after he was put on administrative leave.
The cell phone was turned over to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office for analysis. A photograph of a female student was found in the phone’s contents, as well as an inappropriate video, according to testimony.
