Riverdale asst. principal resigns

MOUNT BLANCHARD — Nathan Sorg, 52, a Findlay resident and recent Riverdale assistant principal, has been charged with assault after an alleged altercation with a student, according to the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. Sorg is accused of assaulting a student during an April 14 incident at Riverdale. Sheriff Michael Cortez said in a release that deputies determined the situation began when a staff member confronted a student about a suspected school policy violation involving the possible possession or transfer of a vape device. "The incident escalated when the student attempted to leave the staff member's office and the staff member tried to stop the student," Cortez said. "A physical altercation followed, during which the student sustained minor scratches to the neck, face and jaw area." Daily media logs show deputies responding to the 20000 block of State Route 37, Mount Blanchard at approximately 3 p.m. on April 14. A complaint filed by the student's parent reported that Sorg believed the student had a vaping device, though no device was found. The complainant told deputies Sorg put his hands on a student's neck and investigators noted visible marks. The incident was reviewed by the Findlay Law Director's office, which approved an assault charge. A court date in Findlay Municipal Court has not yet been scheduled. Riverdale Local Schools announced Tuesday that the board of education accepted Sorg's resignation at its Monday meeting. His resignation letter did not provide a reason, but it did thank the board for the opportunity to serve students and staff. Superintendent Greg Rossman said Monday that when the district discovered the incident, it "promptly reported the incident to the Hancock County Sheriff's Office and placed Mr. Sorg on administrative leave, directing him to remain off school grounds." He said the district has fully cooperated with investigators and is conducting its own internal review. The statement added that the district's investigation is still ongoing. "The board has policies and procedures, consistent with Ohio law that address the use of restraint and seclusion of students and expects its employees to act consistently with the law," Rossman said.