MARION — A high school guidance counselor in Marion is accused of having an inappropriate online relationship with a young girl.
The Wells County Sheriff's Office arrested Ryan C. Vermilion, 46, on Sunday for 12 counts of vicarious sexual gratification and 12 counts of child exploitation.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Wells County Sheriff's Office said Vermilion was arrested after an investigation found an "inappropriate on-line relationship between a female juvenile and Vermillion."
"The Wells County Sheriff's Office believes this to be an isolated incident involving a specific juvenile and no other juveniles appear to be involved," the office said.
Vermilion, who is a school counselor at Marion High School, has been suspended pending termination according to Marion Community Schools.
His bond has been set at $240,000, according to the sheriff's office.
You can read the full statement from Marion Community Schools below.
"Marion Community Schools was made aware Sunday evening of the arrest of Marion High School employee Ryan Vermilion on serious charges stemming from a criminal investigation in Wells County, Ind. He is suspended pending termination as legal and personnel due processes move forward. At this time details are limited, and we defer to Wells County law enforcement officials to address any further questions. We are in full cooperation with law enforcement. We cannot comment further on the investigation or the personnel process at this time."
