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Article Summary
Steven Barton, an assistant principal at Aiken New Tech High School, faces a felony sexual battery charge involving a 16-year-old student. The criminal complaint alleges Barton touched the student with his exposed hand for several minutes on Aug. 26. Investigators said the student’s account was supported by school surveillance video and statements Barton made during the investigation. A detective also told the court that police are investigating whether there could be additional victims.
An assistant principal at Aiken New Tech High School has been charged with felony sexual battery.
This came after Cincinnati police accused him of engaging in unlawful sexual conduct with a 16-year-old student, according to a criminal complaint filed in Hamilton County Municipal Court.
Steven Barton, 43, serves as an assistant principal in the Cincinnati Public Schools district.
Barton was arrested Aug. 28 and appeared in Hamilton County Municipal Court, where a judge set bond at $75,000 and ordered electronic monitoring if he is released.
What the criminal complaint alleges
The criminal complaint alleges that Barton engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with a 16-year-old student on Aug. 26.
According to court records, investigators said the student’s account was supported by school surveillance video and statements Barton made during the investigation.
Court documents further allege that Barton touched the student with his exposed hand for several minutes. The complaint identifies the student’s statement, surveillance footage and Barton’s statements to investigators as evidence supporting the charge.
The charge filed against Barton is sexual battery, a felony offense under Ohio law that can apply when sexual conduct involves a school employee and a student.
Prosecutors have not publicly released additional details about the exact location of the alleged incident inside the school or what investigators say appears on the surveillance video.
What detectives said in court
Additional allegations emerged during Barton’s arraignment, where a Cincinnati police detective described the ongoing investigation.
According to statements made in court, detectives believe Barton may have groomed the student during the 2025-26 school year before the alleged Aug. 26 incident.
Investigators also said they believe the alleged conduct occurred in an isolated area and that there could be additional victims.
Police said additional charges remain possible as the investigation continues.
Those statements were presented by investigators during the court hearing and are separate from the specific allegations contained in the criminal complaint.
CPS response and next steps
Cincinnati Public Schools said it contacted police after learning of the allegation and removed Barton from duties pending the criminal investigation.
Barton entered a not guilty plea through his attorney. The case is expected to proceed to a Hamilton County grand jury for review.
As with all criminal cases, the allegations in the complaint have not been proven in court, and Barton is presumed innocent unless convicted.
Read the CPS statement:
“Cincinnati Public Schools is deeply concerned by the allegations involving an Aiken New Tech High School assistant principal and a student.
When school administrators learned of the allegation, they immediately contacted Cincinnati Police. The employee has been removed from duty and will have no contact with students while the criminal and District investigations are underway.
CPS is cooperating fully with law enforcement. Our immediate concern is the student’s well-being and privacy. Because this involves a student and an active criminal investigation, we cannot provide additional details.”
FAQs
Who is Steven Barton?
Steven Barton is an assistant principal at Aiken New Tech High School, part of Cincinnati Public Schools. He is 43 years old and faces a sexual battery charge.
What does the complaint allege?
The criminal complaint alleges Barton engaged in sexual contact with a 16-year-old student on Aug. 26. Reports based on the court documents say Barton allegedly touched the student with his exposed hand for several minutes.
What evidence did investigators cite?
Investigators cited the student’s account, school surveillance video and statements Barton allegedly made during the investigation. Police said the surveillance footage corroborated the student’s account.
What happens next in this case?
Barton pleaded not guilty through his attorney and received a $75,000 bond. The case is expected to proceed to a Hamilton County grand jury, while the investigation continues.
