Mt. Lebanon Teacher Accused Of Sexual Communication Turns Self In

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – There's new information on the Mount Lebanon teacher accused of having inappropriate online communication with a student. The criminal complaint has now been released.

On Friday morning, the hands of Jason Greenawalt, hands that directed the Mount Lebanon High School choir and school musicals, were bound in handcuffs once he turned himself in to face felony charges of unlawful contact with a minor, criminal use of a communication facility - that is a cell phone, and a misdemeanor count of corruption of minors.

The student claimed that as a sophomore in November 2010 to graduation and beyond, Greenawalt allegedly sent explicit messages on a website that connects men, as well as through texts.

In one communication in 2011, investigators say the teacher referred to another teacher accused of having sex with a student and said, "Look what happened. Look what we are doing. Thanks for keeping your mouth shut."

In December of 2011, before graduation in June, Greenawalt texted, according to the criminal complaint, "Can't be anything until you graduate. Things I can't tell you until after you graduate. When you graduate we can actually do something." Then, Greenawalt is accused of describing a sex act.

Also, "according to the minor, he felt that in order for him to continue to be considered one of Greenawalt's favorites, he had to continue to talk dirty to him."

Mount Lebanon Police Lt. Aaron Lauth says, "If anybody has any additional information they can contact us. Due to the criminal investigation, we've just asked that any comments or questions be referred to us, and the school district can answer questions related to the school. But as far as the criminal investigation goes, that's under the police department."

"As you can imagine, I am deeply disheartened by these events," Superintendent Timothy Steinhauer wrote in a letter sent to parents Thursday. "I want you to know the District's top priority is the safety and security of each and every student. We take this responsibility very seriously and work diligently to follow the comprehensive policies and guidelines that are in place to protect our students."

Greenawalt is scheduled for a preliminary hearing March 21.

RELATED LINKS
Mt. Lebanon Teacher Wanted For Sexual Communication With Student (3/7/13)
Perry Traditional Academy Teacher Accused Of Sexual Assault (3/6/13)
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