Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack holds a press conference announcing the arrest of Bellaire track coach and teacher. (Photo by Gage Vota)

BELLAIRE – Longtime Bellaire track coach and teacher Shawn Valloric was arrested Thursday and faces child pornography charges.

On Thursday morning, Belmont County Sheriff James Zusack’s criminal investigation unit received information from the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force that Valloric was allegedly in possession of child sexual abuse materials.

Within less than eight hours, his unit investigated, gathered evidence and took Valloric into custody.

Valloric was booked into the Belmont County Jail on 10 counts of felony two pandering obscenity involving minors. His charges involve producing, publishing or possessing obscene material depicting minors.

Valloric is currently awaiting arraignment where his bond is $15,000 per charge, and, if convicted, he could face up to eight years in prison on each count.

Zusack said that the investigation is still ongoing and he is asking for anyone with any additional information to contact his office. He added that his office acted as quickly and thorough as possible due to Valloric being a teacher and coach.

Zusack said that Bellaire School District has been fully cooperative.

Bellaire superintendent Derrick McAfee said that the district will continue to be cooperative and support the sheriff’s office.

“At this time the district has not been provided any information indicating that the arrest was the result of any misconduct involving students or staff,” McAfee said. “The district took immediate steps to suspend the employee pending the outcome of the investigation.”

He added that due to the active status of the investigation he isn’t able to provide any additional information at this time.

“The safety of our students, staff, and community remains our highest priority. We continue to work diligently to provide a safe environment where our students can learn and grow,” McAfee said. “We would like to thank the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office for their continued efforts in keeping our community safe.”