An Ohio grand jury announced its first indictment yesterday of a school district employee for alleged crimes committed in relation to the Steubenville rape case.
William Rhinaman, the director of technology at the Steubenville City Schools, was charged with a third-degree felony count of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony count of perjury, a fifth-degree felony count of obstructing justice, and a second-degree misdemeanor count of obstructing official business.
“This is the first indictment in an ongoing grand jury investigation,” said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine in a statement. “Our goal remains to uncover the truth, and our investigation continues.”
Earlier this year, two Steubenville high school football players were found guilty of raping a 16-year-old girl, charges stemming from a series of parties in August 2012. Each player was sentenced to a minimum of one year in a youth correctional facility, where both could remain until they turn 21.
Immediately following the players’ sentencing, DeWine announced the convening of a special grand jury to further investigate whether any other individuals had committed any crimes related to the rape.
“A Grand Jury is an investigative tool that is uniquely suited to ensure fairness and to complete this investigation,” DeWine said in a statement back in March. “And this community needs assurance that no stone has been left unturned in our search for the truth.”
Teachers, school employees, and school administrators are required by state law to report suspected child abuse, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway. However, DeWine did not release specifics about the charges filed against Rhinaman, the Associated Press reported.