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DA: Jenkintown School Official Had Sex With Underage Student

By Jericka Duncan and Steve Beck

JENKINTOWN, Pa. (CBS) – Police arrested and charged the athletic director for the Jenkintown School District on allegations he had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a teenage girl in 2010.

Mark Citron is facing several charges after authorities allege he had six-month sexual relationship with a then 17-year-old Jenkintown High School student from January to June of 2010.

According to police, their investigation began with an anonymous call to Childline, a hotline to report child abuse and neglect.

Based on the information provided to Childline, investigators were able to identify the victim, who is now 19-years-old.

According to the District Attorney, the victim told investigators that when she was a student at Jenkintown High, Citron had an inappropriate sexual relationship with her for approximately six months in 2010.

The DA also said the victim told investigators how Citron would have sexual contact with her in his office at Jenkintown High, including at least one occasion of sexual intercourse.

"These situations are extremely frequent where you have teachers, coaches who are having affairs with older teens," said Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman.

Investigators reviewed Citron's phone records, which confirmed routine contact between Citron and the victim, including approximately 900 text messages.

Citron has been suspended without pay pending a recommendation to the School Board that his employment with the District be terminated. Citron previously took a leave of absence following the initial allegations.

"We often see in cases like this, where there are additional victims, we learn of them after an arrest is made," said Ferman who is unaware of additional victims at this time.

Citron surrendered to authorities and is facing charges of Corruption of Minors, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Criminal Use of a Communications Facility.

He is being held on $250,000 unsecured bail and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 8th.

The School District of Jenkintown released the following statement after Citron's arrest, it reads in part:

"An employee having an inappropriate relationship with a student is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the district."

Jenkintown School district has suspended Cirton without pay and there's a recommendation before the school board to have him fired. School district officials say Citron has denied any allegations of wrong doing.

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