Central Ohio school janitor charged for pandering child sexual abuse material

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A central Ohio elementary school janitor was arrested and charged on Friday for pandering child sexual abuse material.

Rick Andermatt, 41, was arrested by Columbus Police in the 6900 block of Weurful Drive on Friday. Police said Andermatt engaged in a sexual conversation with a minor that resulted in the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

Records obtained from Franklin County municipal court stated Andermatt was a janitor at Indian Trail Elementary School. Court documents said the 16-year-old victim and Andermatt exchanged explicit photos, and Andermatt had arranged plans to meet with the victim.

According to Columbus Police, the victim did not attend the school where Andermatt was working. NBC4 reached out to Canal Winchester Local Schools, which said they took immediate action when learning of Andermatt's arrest.

"The district placed a second-shift custodian on administrative leave effective immediately on Friday, April 25, after learning that the employee was arrested on charges of pandering sexually oriented material to a minor. The employee has been notified that they are not allowed to be on school property or attend any district events while on administrative leave."

The district also emphasized the importance of student safety in its statement.

"While we understand that this matter does not involve any of our students, we take the safety and well-being of all children seriously. We will continue to cooperate fully with the Columbus Police Department in their investigation and follow state law and our district policies to take the appropriate and necessary steps."

Andermatt has been charged with one count of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and one count of pandering obscenity involving a minor. He is scheduled to be arraigned in the Franklin County municipal court on April 26.