Shelby teacher pleads not guilty to misdemeanor

SHELBY – A Shelby Middle School teacher was placed on paid administrative leave Monday afternoon pending the outcome of her criminal case.

Paige Poffenbaugh, 24, of Galion, pleaded not guilty Monday morning at her arraignment to disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.

The charge is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail. Poffenbaugh plans to seek counsel. No further court date was immediately set.

According to a press release from the Shelby Police Department, five male students saw nude photos of Poffenbaugh on her cellphone.

"The kids did not take the phone. She gave them access to the phone, knowing the images were there," police Capt. Lance Combs said. "She let them use the phone for a classroom purpose. She let them use it as a calculator.

"There are no allegations, no concerns that she has touched or performed any activity with any student at all."

Superintendent Tim Tarvin said Poffenbaugh teaches fifth-grade math. She is in her first year with Shelby City Schools.

Tarvin said the district planned to conduct its own investigation. He declined to comment further.

Shelby police became aware of the reported incident on Friday. They got a search warrant for Poffenbaugh's phone fewer than 12 hours later.

The reported incident happened between Christmas and spring break. Police interviewed Poffenbaugh and issued her a summons. Combs said the police investigation is complete.

Richland County Children Services was notified, along with parents of the involved students.

mcaudill@gannett.com

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Twitter: @MNJCaudill