LISBON — A substitute teacher in Columbiana County has been charged with multiple counts of obscenity after a search of his home revealed sexual materials involving juveniles.

A preliminary/pretrial hearing has been set May 27 in Columbiana County Municipal Court for John Maramon McFarland, 42, Steubenville Pike Road, Lisbon, charged with second-degree felony pandering obscenity-create, produce, publish materials for commercial exploitation, fourth-degree felony pandering obscenity-buy, procure, possess obscene material, and drug paraphernalia. The charges are for allegedly possessing numerous videos depicting children being sexually assaulted and engaging in sexual activity and conduct, along with a methamphetamine pipe, on May 21 in Center Township.

The affidavit from an agent with the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force said that McFarland allegedly transmitted a video depicting a young minor male engaging in sexual conduct via a social media platform on Oct. 10, 2022. On May 5 this year, he allegedly transmitted via email nine videos depicting minors engaging in sexual activity.

According to the affidavit, McFarland held positions of trust in the past, including corrections officer, drug counselor, bus driver and currently a substitute teacher.

News partner WKBN-TV reported investigators said additional charges may be filed pending the full analysis of the digital devices seized.

Marie Williams, superintendent of the Columbiana County Educational Service Center, told WKBN-TV McFarland began working with the ESC at the start of the 2024-2025 school year as a paraprofessional. He was suspended and put on administrative leave on May 21.

Williams released the following statement:

“The individual was initially hired as a paraprofessional and served as part of a classroom team until November. In January 2025, he transitioned to a substitute paraeducator role and worked periodically in classrooms thereafter. He worked primarily in ESC unit classrooms staffed by ESC teachers and staff in Salem City Schools (Reilly Elementary), the ESC unit at Knox Elementary and the ESC Opportunity School. He also subbed once in Leetonia, a few times at Salem Southeast and once at Salem Buckeye.

“This individual completed all required background checks prior to employment. At no time was he left alone with students, as all of our classrooms are staffed with a licensed teacher and at least two support staff members.

“The individual has not subbed in a classroom since May 2nd and in learning of the allegations on May 21st, the individual was immediately suspended and placed on administrative leave. We take these allegations seriously and are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation as well as working with our own legal counsel in next steps. The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.”