Story by Anna Meyer, Annabelle Childers was originally published by Signal Akron media partner 3News.
Chad Kendall, a 36-year-old former teacher at Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, has been charged with two counts of sexual battery, following a police investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct with former students.
Kendall, formerly a member of Hoban’s fine arts and performing arts department, was charged on Aug. 1 and has a warrant out for his arrest from the Akron Police Department.
The charges stem from allegations of sexual relationships with two former students who were between the ages of 16 and 17 at the time of the reported incidents. According to an affidavit obtained by 3News, the alleged conduct occurred between spring 2023 and late 2024.
According to court records, the address listed for the offense is 1 Market Holy Cross Boulevard, with the offense date listed as Jan. 3, 2023.
According to Akron police, the two victims came forward after learning of Kendall’s previous arrest in June on a separate assault charge involving a different former student.
Police say they obtained search warrants for Kendall’s residence and recording devices, resulting in evidence that led to the charges of two counts of sexual battery.
In a letter sent to families, Hoban President Chris DiMauro confirmed the school is aware of new allegations against Kendall.
The full letter can be read below:
Dear Hoban Family,
On June 9, a third party reported allegations to the Hoban administration of serious, inappropriate conduct by Hoban teacher, Chad Kendall, which impacted student safety. The allegations did not involve a current Hoban student and had not been previously reported to us. Upon learning of these new allegations, we immediately contacted and met with the Akron Police Department. We are taking all necessary measures to support the police and their ensuing investigation.
The Hoban administration has now learned that Mr. Kendall has been charged with sexual battery relating to these new allegations. We are devastated and angry that the safety of our students, which is of the utmost importance, may have been violated by someone in a position of trust.
We know that this type of news is hard to receive and understand that people would like as much information about this as possible. We must, though, respect the legal process and protect the privacy of those involved. Our focus now is on supporting everyone in our Hoban community, most notably our students. If you have any information related to this matter, we encourage you to contact the Akron Police Department.
Sincerely,
Chris DiMauro ‘99 President
DiMauro confirmed to 3News that Kendall is no longer employed by Archbishop Hoban High School.
Previous assault charge
In a separate letter sent to families on May 29, Hoban officials acknowledged that a faculty member had been charged with a first-degree misdemeanor in connection with an alleged incident involving a former student.
That incident reportedly occurred on March 24, 2024, on a stage in the school’s gymnasium, according to an Akron police report obtained by 3News.
Following those initial allegations, the school placed Kendall on administrative leave and barred him from campus during the legal process.
Court records show that Kendall previously pleaded not guilty to the assault charge.
His next pre-trial hearing in that case is scheduled for Aug. 15, before Judge Jerry Larson.
