BERLIN CENTER — Andy Hake, Western Reserve Local Schools’ former head football coach, received a citation for a Jan. 9 on-the-job incident, resulting in a drug abuse-marijuana charge by the Mahoning County Sheriff’s office.

In January, Hake, who also taught in the district, stepped into the staff restroom in the middle school hallway and smoked an electronic cigarette containing THC, the main component in marijuana that causes a high, according to a disciplinary letter from the school district.

After complaints from co-workers, the middle and high school principals, Mike Sauner and Dallas Saunders, and the school resource officer, deputy sheriff Joel Gensler launched an investigation.

Hake then was removed from the school and placed on paid administrative leave. His current status could not be obtained from school district administration Thursday.

Hake will be arraigned in Sebring court at a later date.

Video evidence showed Hake being the last to enter the restroom, the letter states.

“The film confirmed that approximately two minutes after the bell rang to start second period, Mr. Hake entered the men’s staff restroom for a brief moment. When Mr. Hake exited the restroom he proceeded to his classroom (approximately 30 feet) to teach and supervise students,” the letter adds.

Hake then was removed from his classroom where he turned over the vape pen to Gensler and admitted to possessing the device, according to the letter.

The letter also states Hake said “he screwed up,” “he was sorry” and “he knew he shouldn’t have marijuana on him.”

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