AKRON, Ohio — An Archbishop Hoban High School Fine Arts teacher is on administrative leave now as he faces a first-degree misdemeanor charge of assault.

According to an Akron police report, the assault happened on March 24, 2024, during a play rehearsal after 7 p.m.

The report states, "...the suspect grabbed the victim, a student, by the neck. Suspect admitted to grabbing victim under Miranda on 4/1/2025."

The incident was allegedly caught on audio, according to the victim's mom, Cheryl Nichelson.

"I asked her, you know, was it in fun? Cause he did this in front of other people. I didn't quite understand, and she said, 'No, mom.' And I said, 'Well, did you feel intimidated?' And she said yes," Nichelson told me. "How did you feel intimidated? She said it felt in a sexual manner to her.

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