Former Bishop Ready coach accused of touching girl confesses
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A former Bishop Ready High School wrestling coach who was accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct with a 13-year-old girl pleaded guilty to molestation on Monday.
Anthony Aiello, 46, was initially charged with sexual assault, causing a public nuisance and harassment via telecommunications. According to police, the incidents occurred between September and November 2023.
Franklin County prosecutors agreed to drop charges of public nuisance and sexual harassment. In exchange, Aiello agreed to plead guilty to harassment via telecommunications.
Aiello was sentenced to 180 days in jail and five years probation. He is not required to register as a sex offender.
The telecommunications harassment charge was the most serious allegation brought against Aiello – telecommunications harassment is a first-degree misdemeanor, while public nuisance is a second-degree misdemeanor and sexual harassment is a third-degree misdemeanor.
The charges stem from an incident in which a girl told police she was sleeping in Aiello’s Grove City home and woke up to find him touching her inappropriately.
Aiello was also accused of contacting the girl via FaceTime and touching himself inappropriately during the call. The girl began recording the call with a screen before touching herself, telling police she knew “something was wrong.”
Aiello was arrested on June 26 and relieved of his coaching duties at Bishop Ready High School.
