A Columbus City Schools principal has been charged with a misdemeanor count of soliciting.
According to Franklin County Municipal Court records, Leon Leavell was taken into custody by detectives on March 24 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton.
Columbus City Schools spokesperson Scott Varner confirmed Leavell is the principal at Arts I.M.P.A.C.T. Middle School.
Records show Leavell responded to a Backpage ad placed by a detective acting undercover.
Varner added that Leavell is currently “reassigned to other duties outside of the school” and has no interaction with kids during these duties.
Leavell was arraigned Monday morning where he pleaded not guilty according to court records.
Leavell had initially applied to be the next superintendent for Columbus City Schools last year.