A Hermitage woman has resigned as Choir Director of the Wilmington Area School District after being charged with felonies for her alleged affair with a student.

Olivia Lois Ortz, 26, is free on $150,000 bond following her arraignment on charges of sexual contact with a student, unlawful contact with a minor, and criminal use of a communication facility.

According to police, school officials learned from Ortz’s husband that his wife was having a romantic relationship with the 17-year-old student. 

"It's a tragedy for both our victim and her family," New Wilmington Police Chief Carmen Piccrillo said, "It's going to affect their lives going forward for a long time. It's also a tragedy for the school district."

Ortz’s husband works for the school setting up stage events such as plays and musicals. As a contract employee, Mr. Ortz is required under state law to report any sexual exploitation, abuse, or misconduct.

The student told police that at first, she considered her choir teacher to be a safe adult, with whom she could talk about personal and relationship issues.

Police say after the two talked and texted each other in and out of school, Mrs. Ortz invited the girl to her home while her husband was away.

The teen told investigators that the two snuggled on the couch watching TV, and eventually went into a bedroom and engaged in sex.

"That's a line that should not and cannot be crossed ever," Piccarillo said, "We cannot have this kind of activity. It's illegal and it's unacceptable."

According to police, the student came back and stayed again overnight, even after Ortz’s husband found out about their relationship.

On May 5, police executed a search warrant on the Ortz home, confiscating a cell phone, and iPad.

Police say that after the search, the pair continued contact thru Spotify, using code words. 

Investigators say the two exchanged 100 messages during a two-day period last week until the girl’s father took away her cell phone, iPad, and laptop.

Two years ago, former New Wilmington teacher and choir director Jonathan Priano was arrested on 26 charges for alleged improper relationships with students. Priano’s case is still pending in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court.

21 News made calls to the school district but did not hear back.

Chief Picarillo said the district handled the situation immediately in the proper manner.