News Summary
Justin White, a teacher at Canon-McMillan High School, has been charged with multiple counts of institutional sexual assault. The allegations include inappropriate communications and a relationship with a former student. The investigation began after a concerned parent discovered troubling messages on their child’s phone. White faces legal action, having been placed on administrative leave by the school district pending further investigations. The case underscores ongoing concerns regarding educator misconduct and the importance of safeguarding student welfare.
Canon-McMillan, Pennsylvania — Teacher Charged with Sexual Assault of Former Student
Justin White, a 48-year-old teacher at Canon-McMillan High School, has been formally charged with multiple counts of institutional sexual assault and related offenses. The charges stem from an alleged inappropriate relationship with a former student, which authorities say involved sexual misconduct after the student turned 18.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
White was taken into custody after turning himself in to police, accompanied by his lawyer. He was handcuffed at the scene and transported to a police cruiser. He faces a total of 13 counts of institutional sexual assault and one count of criminal use of a communication facility. His bond was set at $150,000, and he has been ordered to avoid contact with the victim and the school district.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation was initiated following a report by a concerned father, who discovered inappropriate messages and images on his daughter’s phone. The messages indicated an improper relationship between the teacher and the student, who was a senior at the school during the time of the alleged misconduct. Authorities say the misconduct began in October 2023 but involved sexual activity only after the student turned 18.
Nature of the Alleged Relationship
According to investigators, White allegedly exchanged thousands of messages—more than 8,000 in total—and sent over 14,000 emails to the student over several months. Some of these communications occurred through the school district’s email system, which is prohibited under local laws concerning institutional sexual assault. During the period, White reportedly gave the student gifts, including a necklace and a burner phone to facilitate private communication.
Locations and Incidents
The alleged sexual encounters purportedly took place at various locations, including White’s classroom during school hours, a park-and-ride lot, and industrial facilities. These activities are alleged to have violated legal boundaries and trust placed in White as an educator.
Official Statements and District Response
Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh emphasized that the accused exploited his role as a teacher to abuse his position of trust. Immediately following the termination of the investigation, the Canon-McMillan School District released a statement affirming its cooperation with law enforcement and confirmed that White was placed on administrative leave upon learning of the allegations.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 5, 2025. The case remains under active investigation by the North Strabane Police and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.
Additional Context
This case highlights ongoing concerns about misconduct by educators and the importance of vigilance by students, parents, and school officials. Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of White’s communications and interactions, emphasizing the legal repercussions of violating laws designed to protect minors and uphold sexual misconduct statutes.
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Additional Resources
- WTAE: Canon-McMillan High School Teacher Accused
- Wikipedia: Institutional Sexual Assault
- CBS News: Teacher Charged with Sexual Assault
- Google Search: Canon-McMillan High School teacher sexual assault
- WPXI: Teacher Accused of Sexual Relationship with Student
- Google News: Canon-McMillan High School
- Trib Live: Police Charge Teacher with Having Sex with Student
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
