31-year-old Brett Boardwine, former Streetsboro school technology manager, was charged with soliciting sex from a minor following Streetsboro police’s arrest on Aug. 12, around 1:40 p.m.

Through social media, Boardwine messaged who he thought was a 15-year-old boy, planning to meet in person at an agreed-upon location. The 15-year-old boy was an undercover police officer, posing as a teen.

Streetsboro Police Chief Patricia Wain said upon arrival, Streetsboro police arrested Boardwine, taking him into custody without resistance from him.

Boardwine has no previous criminal record and passed the school’s background test when they hired him as a contractor to manage lights and audio for school meetings and concerts.

Following the arrest, Streetsboro City School Superintendent Cynthia Deevers issued a statement, which said the school is aware of Boardwine’s recent arrest.

“We are fully cooperating with local law enforcement and remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” Deevers said.

The Portage County grand jury indicted Boardwine, charging him with one count of soliciting sex with a minor, attempted sexual conduct with a minor and possession of criminal tools, the phone Boardwine used to communicate with the undercover officer, Wain said.

Boardwine will face a discovery hearing, reviewing the evidence before his pre-trial and jury trials on Nov. 5 and 8.

Wain is appreciative of the officers’ work in arresting Boardwine and encourages individuals to report similar instances to the police.

“There’s a lot of people out there that will take advantage of kids if they’re given the opportunity,” she said. “We just want to do anything we can to make sure that’s not happening.”

Adriana Gasiewski is the general assignment editor. Contact her at [email protected].

Lex Radde is a Kent Stater TV beat reporter . Contact her at [email protected].