Brice T. Henry was arraigned in Bellefontaine Municipal Court Wednesday, Oct. 7, and pleaded “not guilty,” which is routine as he has yet to confer with this court-appointed attorney Peter DeSomma.

A cash surety bond was set for $100,000 by Bellefontaine Municipal Court Judge Jacob A. Estes.

Henry, 33, is facing a charge of attempted sexual conduct with a minor following his arrest late Sunday evening, Oct. 4, by officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department at Love’s Travel Stop, 2001 State Route 540, Bellefontaine.

The defendant was a Bellefontaine High School vocal music teacher in his sixth year of employment with the district. He also previously worked for West Liberty-Salem Schools.

Following Wednesday’s court appearance, Bellefontaine City Schools Superintendent Brad Hall said he received a formal resignation from Henry.

“At this time, Mr. Henry is no longer affiliated with the school district,” Hall said in an emailed statement Wednesday afternoon.

“At the regular meeting of the Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education on Monday, Oct. 12, the Board will either accept Mr. Henry’s resignation or take formal action to terminate his employment.”

Relating to Henry’s arrest, officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department were dispatched late Sunday evening to Love's Travel Stop regarding a report of an adult male attempting to meet up with a 15-year-old young man.

Upon arrival, officers were met by several individuals who were the complainants and 
witnesses to the allegations. The suspect was also present at the scene.

As officers investigated the matter, they found that an adult male, Henry, had been engaged in a conversation through what was described as a dating app with an individual he believed was a 15-year-old male. That conversation led to Love's Travel Stop, officers said.

The investigation and evidence discovered at that time led to the arrest of Henry, who was interviewed and was lodged in the Logan County Jail at 2:31 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5. He was initially criminally charged with importuning.

Since that time, the original charge of importuning has been changed to attempted sexual conduct with a minor, based upon discussions with the Logan County Prosecutor's Office, Bellefontaine Police Chief Chris Marlow said.

The investigation is ongoing with the cooperation and advice of the Logan County Prosecutor's Office, Chief Marlow noted.  

Monday, Bellefontaine City Schools officials also noted in a prepared statement that the alleged incident took place off school grounds and did not occur on school property.  

“However, we take these allegations with the utmost seriousness,” BCS officials said. “The safety and well-being of our students, staff and school community remain our absolute highest priority.”

Henry’s next court appearance is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Bellefontaine Municipal Court. The case may or may not go to the Logan County grand jury, depending on what the judge determines at this hearing. ■