By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
Olean High School Principal Jefrrey Andreano was arraigned in Olean City Court Wednesday on charges of harassment, a violation, and endangering the welfare of a minor, a misdemeanor.
Andreano’s attorney, Barry Covert, entered a plea of not guilty in Olean City Court, where Jamestown City Court Judge George Panebianco was presiding.
City Judges Nicholas A. DiCerbo Jr., and Matthew Swenson recused themselves from the case because they know Andreano.
Andreano, 55, was charged by Olean City Police detectives on Dec. 12, following an investigation into a complaint of an alleged incident between the high school principal and a 14-year-old freshman on Dec. 2. He was placed on administrative leave the following day.
After entering the not guilty plea, Covert asked Panebianco to dismiss the charges due to insufficient evidence.
Covert said there was no evidence that Andreano was harassing or annoying the student. He was trying to get the student back to his office after an earlier incident between the freshman and another student.
Regarding the endangerment charge, Covert said there was no evidence the principal was acting to harm the student physically.
Covert pointed out the large number of supporters of Andreano from the school district who were in the courtroom.
Covert said the student, who had just been in an altercation with another student, disobeyed orders not to leave Andreano’s office.
“I ask the court to dismiss the charges at this time,” Covert said.
The judge assured Covert that his comments would be taken into account. “I take this all very seriously,” he said, adding that his brother was a school principal.
Panebianco suggested a pre-trial conference prior to the next court appearance on March 4 at 1 p.m.
No date was set for the conference because special prosecutor Daryl P. Brautigam of Fredonia had not reviewed videotape from the school district that depicts the incident.
Panebianco indicated the case could be resolved prior to the next court date. “I want it resolved tomorrow,” he said, but noted the pre-trial conference with the special prosecutor and the defense attorney needs to occur.
After the arraignment, Covert said he hoped to see the matter resolved before the next court appearance. “We’ll have a phone call with the judge and the prosecutor” and go from there, he said.
