Former Desales Teacher Accused of Soliciting Minors for Nude Photos

By Alex Carbello
NBC4i
July 22, 2013

http://www.nbc4i.com/story/22897132/teacher-charged-for-attempting-to-exchange-nude-pictures-for-positions-in-choir

Zachary R. Ruppel is accused of soliciting nude photos from minors in exchange for a position in the All Ohio State Fair Youth Choir.

A man who volunteered with the All Ohio State Fair Youth Choir is facing two counts of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles and one count of compelling prostitution.

Columbus police say Zachary R. Ruppel, 26, was soliciting nude pictures and sex acts in exchange for positions in the All Ohio State Fair Youth Choir from his St. Francis DeSales High School students, as well as other juveniles involved with the All Ohio State Fair Youth Choir in 2011.

Detectives searched Ruppel's home after complaints were made to Ohio State Fair Choir staff about the allegations against Ruppel.

The two victims in the most recent incident are a 15-year-old boy and 17-year-old boy, according to a Columbus police report.

Officers are attempting to locate and identify any additional victims.

A warrant has been issued for Ruppel.

Detectives say officials from St. Francis DeSales High School and the Ohio State Fair are cooperating in the investigation.

On July 19, Charles R. Snyder, 67, director of the All Ohio State Fair Youth Choir, was placed on leave because of a Columbus police investigation. A media representative from the Ohio State Fair said Snyder was not the focus of the investigation, but would not give any more details.