In a shocking development, Nick Burzanko, the head baseball coach at Berkshire High School, has been charged with a felony after allegations surfaced that he sent a lewd photograph to a student. The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office reported that the incident involved a “lewd/pornographic” image sent via Snapchat to a 17-year-old student, leading to charges of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, classified as a fifth-degree felony.
Burzanko, 35, a resident of Middlefield, is not only a prominent figure in the baseball program—having recently led the Badgers to a share of the Chagrin Valley Conference championship and earning the Valley Division’s Coach of the Year award—but he also serves as the assistant sports coordinator for the district and an assistant football coach. His role has made him a familiar face in the athletic community, raising concerns following these allegations.
The Berkshire Local School District promptly addressed the situation, confirming that they became aware of the misconduct allegations against Burzanko. Following this revelation, he was immediately placed on leave to ensure no further contact with students. The district has cooperated with the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, which has initiated an active investigation into the matter. According to Geauga County Prosecutor Jim Flaiz, Burzanko had been in contact with the student for two years.
Burzanko was arraigned in Chardon Municipal Court and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on November 13. As this situation continues to unfold, the district has stated that it cannot provide further comments until the investigation is complete, directing inquiries to Lieutenant Jonovich of the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office.
This incident raises significant concerns regarding the safety and well-being of students in educational environments, prompting discussions about the necessary measures to protect minors from potential abuse. As the community processes these events, the focus remains on the investigation’s findings and the implications for Berkshire High School’s athletic programs.