West Geauga is without a head wrestling coach after Carmen Russo, 38, of Canfield, was arrested on prostitution charges in East Palestine on Oct 14.
West Geauga is without a head wrestling coach after Carmen Russo, 38, of Canfield, was arrested on prostitution charges in East Palestine on Oct 14.
During a sting, agents with the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force arrested Russo, who investigators said arranged to meet a woman he planned to pay for sexual activity, according to a Youngstown television station, WKBN.
WKBN reported Russo had $140 cash and his phone when he arrived at the meeting location.
Russo, who was hired in September of 2021, was not a teacher, and resigned after the arrest.
Superintendent Richard A. Markwardt wrote in a statement:
“I learned of the charges against the coach yesterday morning at which time WGHS Principal Ryan Patti informed the coach that he was being placed on leave and was to have no contact with our students pending an investigation. I then immediately received and accepted the coach’s letter of resignation.”
His first court appearance is Oct. 19 in Columbiana County Municipal Court on charges of possessing criminal tools and engaging in prostitution, both first-degree misdemeanors.
An email to Russo was not returned.
The incident was not mentioned at the West Geauga Schools Monday night school board meeting.
The Wolverines, who set a school record last season for team wins and finished second in the Chagrin Valley Conference, were set to start practice on Nov. 17.
In an email to parents, the principal said he knew the abrupt change would significantly affect the beginning of the season.
“Please know that supporting our student-athletes remains our top priority throughout this difficult situation,” Patti wrote. “We will be working urgently to put interim plans in place for the season while we search for a new head coach. The strength of our wrestling community will help us persevere through this together.”
