Geauga County HS coach accused of sending “indecent” picture to student

BURTON, Ohio – Berkshire High School's head baseball coach is facing felony charges after Geauga County Sheriff's Office investigators say he sent a “lewd/pornographic” photo to a student.

Nick Burzanko, 35, of Middlefield, is charged with distribution of material harmful to minors, a fifth-degree felony, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. The press release said investigators “discovered” the photo sent to a teenage student via the social media app Snapchat, but did not provide further details.

Burzanko is also listed on Berkshire's website as the district's assistant athletic coordinator and assistant coach of the soccer team.

“The district has been made aware of an allegation of misconduct by a district employee,” Berkshire said in a statement, according to WKYC Channel 3. “As a result, this district employee was immediately placed on leave to ensure he has no further contact with students.”

The statement said Burzanko would remain on leave during the investigation.

Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz told the Geauga County Maple Leaf that Burzanko has been in contact with the student for two years. The Maple Leaf reports that the student is 17 years old.

Chardon Municipal Court records show Burzanko was arraigned Friday and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court again on November 13th.