Coach faces child porn charges

SANDUSKY — A sixth-grade football coach at Sandusky Schools was fired following a recent indictment by a county grand jury on multiple felony charges related to child pornography. On Thursday, the district posted a statement on its Facebook page, stating that the school has cut all professional ties with Nicanor Lopez after being informed by Sandusky police that he was arrested and charged with criminal offenses. On May 4, Erie County grand jurors indicted Lopez, 40, of the 600 block of McDonough St., on 10 counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, each a second-degree felony; and one count of possessing criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony. Sandusky police arrested Lopez on May 6 and booked him into the Erie County Jail on those charges. According to Lopez's indictment, the alleged crimes occurred on or about July 1, 2025, through Feb. 20. Lopez allegedly created, reproduced or published "obscene material" of children and reportedly used a cellphone to do so, the indictment states. As of late Thursday, Lopez remains locked up in the Erie County Jail on a $50,000 bond. Lopez was arraigned in the Erie County Common Pleas Court on Thursday, during which he entered a not guilty plea. He has an upcoming court hearing scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 7. School speaks on suspect Here is the full statement from the district's CEO and superintendent, Dennis Muratori: Dear Sandusky City Schools families, The Sandusky City Schools administration was recently informed by the Sandusky Police Department that Nicanor Lopez has been arrested and charged with criminal offenses. Nicanor Lopez previously served as a sixth-grade football coach for one season and was recently assisting our high school quarterbacks. Upon learning of these charges, the district immediately terminated all professional ties with Mr. Lopez. He is no longer a part of our coaching staff and is prohibited from participating in any district activities. Because this is an active investigation, we cannot share further details at this time, however, we are coordinating closely with the Sandusky Police Department to ensure they have our full cooperation. The safety and security of our students is our absolute priority. We expect all staff and coaches to adhere to the highest ethical standards, and we will not tolerate any behavior that compromises the well-being of our children. If you or your student has any information relevant to this investigation, we strongly encourage you to contact the Sandusky Police Department. Editor's note: Jolena Gioiello contributed reporting.