Switzer
File photo | The Lima News
KENTON — A former Hardin Northern band instructor was sentenced Monday to three months in jail, effective immediately, and five years of probation for possessing images of a minor in a state of nudity.
Cody Switzer, 28, of Dunkirk, was also sentenced by Hardin County Common Pleas Court Judge Steve Christopher to pay a fine of $2,500 and to complete 130 hours of community service by June 30, 2025. Switxzer is to enter into and successfully complete sex offender counseling, submit to random drug and alcohol testing and have no contact with any unrelated person under the age of 18.
Switzer pleaded guilty July 31 in Hardin County Common Pleas Court to two counts of illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance, fifth-degree felonies, and one count of falsification, a first-degree misdemeanor.
The pleas were part of a negotiated deal between Switzer and Hardin County prosecutors. As a Tier 1 sex offender, Switzer will be required to register annually for the next 15 years in the county of his residence and/or employment.
Prosecutors, who last month declined to say whether the victim in the case was male or female, dismissed three counts of illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material and one count of tampering with evidence as part of the plea deal.
The state’s case against Switzer centered around a video that was posted on Facebook in February this year which intimated that the Dunkirk man was attempting to arrange a rendezvous with a minor at Arlington Park in Hancock County.
A deputy from the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Switzer’s home, at which time Switzer signed a document stating that the video was falsified and that no meeting took place. That was found to be a lie.
Switzer granted consent for law enforcement to search electronic devices in his home, and investigators were able to determine the meeting did take place. A further search of his cell phone revealed images of the victim from 2023 showing that person in a nude state.
Switzer served as Hardin Northern’s band and music teacher but was placed on indefinite leave by the school back in February. He is no longer listed on the school’s website as a band/music teacher.
