Teacher's Aide Accused Of Having Sex With 13-Year-Old Student

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A Sto-Rox teaching assistant was arrested Sunday for allegedly having sex with a 13-year-old student.

According to the criminal complaint, Matthew Bertovich worked as a special needs teacher's assistant.

Police say Bertovich sent the victim sexually explicit messages via Facebook and had sex with the teen at her house.

The criminal complaint also says Bertovich told the student to keep their relationship quiet.

"In this particular case, all the background checks were in place. There was no red flag, if you will. So, I would say to the parents, this is not how Sto-Rox School District does business. This is not how we conduct ourselves, and that we will continue to do our diligence and provide an environment where your students are going to be able to learn," Sto-Rox Superintendent Terry DeCarbo said.

On Monday, DeCarbo said the safety of their students is paramount.

"We're working with our solicitor as well as our school board to ensure that the safety of all of our students is paramount, and make sure that there's not a major disruption to the educational process. It's a tragedy that we have to be dealing with these types of situations," Superintendent Terry DeCarbo said.

DeCarbo sent out a statement Sunday saying Bertovich has been placed on administrative leave and is facing multiple charges. The statement reads in part:

"He will not be permitted on school property, at school events, or to have contact with district students or staff while this matter is under investigation. The district will cooperate fully with the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office and the County Police Detectives investigating this incident, as well as all other authorities as this matter unfolds. Please know the safety and security of all district students and staff are the primary concern of the Board of School Directors and Administration."

Bertovich is currently in the Allegheny County Jail on an $80,000 bond.

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