Willoughby-Eastlake City School District teacher facing sexual battery charge, placed on administrative leave

EASTLAKE, Ohio — A Willoughby-Eastlake City School District teacher has been placed on administrative leave after being charged with sexual battery. 

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On March 22, the Eastlake Police Department became aware of alleged sexual conduct between a 17-year-old female student in the district and Michael Czubaj. 

Investigations from the Eastlake Police Department, Willoughby Police Department and Willoughby Hills Police Department discovered that the incidents happened between Oct. 2021 and Jan. 2022. 

The alleged sexual encounters happened in both Willoughby Hills and Eastlake, according to police officials. 

Czubaj is being charged with sexual battery in both Willoughby Hills and Eastlake.

After learning of the allegations, the district immediately placed Czubaj on administrative leave. 

Officials say that Czubaj was a substitute teacher in the district and was also assisting with drama productions at North High School and South High School.

Prior to being hired, the district ran a background check which showed no previous criminal history. 

Czubaj has been arraigned and is out on bond, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for a later date. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on March 28, 2023. 

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