A Hermitage woman who resigned as Choir Director of the Wilmington Area School District faces trial after an alleged affair with a student.

Olivia Lois Ortz, 26, appeared before a district magistrate on Tuesday.

Charges of sexual contact with a student, unlawful contact with a minor, and criminal use of a communication facility were held for trial in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court, and her $150,000 bond was continued.

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

Ortz’s husband, who works for the school setting up stage events such as plays and musicals, 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.

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.