GREEN, Ohio — A former Green Middle School teacher was arrested Wednesday after being indicted on multiple counts of rape and sexual battery involving a former student, with allegations dating back nearly 30 years.
Gary D. Huff, 64, of North Canton, was taken into custody on Sept. 30 by the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and booked into the Summit County Jail.
A Summit County grand jury indicted Huff on Tuesday, Sept. 29, charging him with three first-degree felony counts of rape and six third-degree felony counts of sexual battery, according to a press release from Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree.
The charges stem from an October report made by a 42-year-old woman who detailed a pattern of sexual abuse that occurred when she was 13 years old. According to the sheriff’s office, the victim reported having “numerous sexual encounters” with Huff between 1997 and 1999, occurring both on and off school grounds.
Under Ohio law, victims of childhood sexual abuse have until their 43rd birthday to bring criminal charges forward.
As deputies investigated the initial allegations, additional former Green Local Schools students came forward alleging that they, too, had been victimized by Huff, authorities said.
Huff retired from the Green Local School District in May 2017. In a statement released following his arrest, district officials addressed the allegations:
“We know this news is deeply upsetting, and rightfully so, for our families, our staff, and the entire Green community. The Green Local School District has cooperated fully with the investigation and will continue to do so as this case moves forward. We are grateful to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office for its diligent work and partnership in protecting our students.”
The district added that it remains committed to the safety of the school community and will respect the judicial process as the case moves through court.
The investigation remains ongoing. Court dates for Huff have not yet been scheduled.
Authorities ask anyone with additional information regarding Huff or the investigation to contact the Summit County Sheriff’s Office directly.
