Dayton Public Schools placed Belmont High School band teacher Nathaniel Williams‑Rolack on administrative leave on Tuesday after the district received a formal complaint alleging sexual battery involving a student. The complaint, detailed in internal documents obtained by the WHIO‑TV I‑Team, states that the teacher made inappropriate verbal comments, called the student into a private room, and then forced himself on the student, performing non‑consensual oral sex despite the student’s repeated requests to stop.
District response and investigation
Superintendent David Lawrence confirmed that the allegations involve a student victim and that the district is conducting a thorough internal investigation. A personnel file indicates the district sent a letter to Williams‑Rolack informing him that he is the focus of a formal complaint that includes allegations of sexual assault.
The investigation also includes a request for board member Eric Walker to provide any information he may have regarding the teacher’s conduct. Walker was asked in writing whether any students, guardians, or staff members had reported concerns about the employee’s involvement with students outside standard school programming.
Board member’s statement
Walker declined an on‑camera interview but issued a written statement. He said he first learned of the allegations through informal conversations with former college acquaintances before joining the Dayton Board of Education in January 2024. Walker asserted that he had no firsthand knowledge of the alleged incident, was unaware of an open bench warrant in Michigan until it became public, and emphasized his commitment to student safety, due process, and accountability.
“My decision to decline an interview should not be interpreted as a lack of concern or an unwillingness to be accountable,” Walker wrote. “I remain committed to serving the students, families, and community of Dayton Public Schools with fairness, integrity, and sound judgment.”
Criminal case in Michigan
Williams‑Rolack is also facing a separate criminal case in Oak Park, Michigan, stemming from a 2020 charge of felony criminal sexual conduct third degree involving a 13‑ through 15‑year‑old. Michigan court staff and the prosecutor’s office confirmed that the case remains open and that a bench warrant is still active.
Dayton police arrested Williams‑Rolack on suspicion of sexual battery, but he was released after Montgomery County prosecutors requested further investigation. The criminal investigation remains ongoing.
Community reaction
Parents at the Tuesday board meeting expressed outrage and concern for student safety. “This feels like a culmination of a multi‑state failure to properly vet who’s going to be around our kids,” said Joe Behymer, a Belmont High School parent. Another parent, Toksa Ivory, criticized the board for allegedly allowing the situation to persist, stating, “Somebody saw it, said ‘Oh well,’ and still let it go. That’s unacceptable.”
Social‑media posts from the student alleged that the teacher attempted to bribe the victim, saying, “I’ll buy you a switch and put you on my family plan,” in an effort to keep the matter quiet.
Next steps
The district’s executive director of human resources has sent a letter to Walker requesting any documentation or facts related to the investigation. The board is expected to review the findings and determine appropriate employment actions for Williams‑Rolack once the investigations conclude.
Dayton Public Schools have pledged transparency and a commitment to safeguarding students while respecting due process for all parties involved.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
