PATASKALA, Ohio (WCMH) — A volunteer wrestling coach has been arrested for allegedly filming a nude minor at Licking Heights Central Intermediate School in Pataskala.
Anthony Haist, of Pickerington, is charged with pandering obscenity involving a minor, a second-degree felony. Evidence listed in the incident report include Haist’s laptop computer, a digital camera, an Xbox console, a smartphone, USB flash drives, and memory cards.
The official complaint says the incident occurred after wrestling practice on Feb. 20, 2021. After working out, Haist allegedly told the minor that the locker room was contaminated by COVID and that he should get changed in the storage closet. The child told police that he noticed a cell phone recording him when he was completely disrobed.
Haist’s bail is set at $150,000 with conditions.
According to Licking Heights Schools, “Mr. Haist is an educational aide (contracted through the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio) and a volunteer wrestling coach. He is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of the police investigation.”
