The Somerset County district attorney reacted Thursday, a day after a school board member was charged with crimes involving a child. Brian Eppley has resigned from his post in Conemaugh Township since his arrest Wednesday.

"Its just an uncomfortable and unfortunate
Eppley is accused of forcing a young boy to put his feet in his face. Several sources told 6 News Thursday that the inappropriate contact happened with several young children, and more charges are coming.

It's a case that has many people talking and many people concerned. Eppley was a well-respected man in Somerset County, and the news of his arrest and the allegations against him has a lot of people in shock.

Lazzari-Strasiser said she was recently notified of the allegations surrounding Eppley by Children and Youth Services. She said it's been a difficult time for the Maple Spring Church of the Brethren in Jerome, where Eppley served as a deacon, but she said they've fully cooperated.

"I believe that they hoped possibly that the allegations were false or could have been handled other than through the criminal justice system," said Lazzari-Strasiser. "But as the information unfolded, they were on board and they understood."

6 News talked with Pastor Guy Myers on Thursday. He said he was notified by their youth coordinator in early July of the allegations and immediately started his own investigation.

"As the process was unfolding, we learned of other youth that the youth coordinator was not aware of," said Myers. "We learned that through an interview with Mr. Eppley."

Police said the inappropriate conduct took place inside rooms of the church as well as the Lions Club and the Historical Society, both in Davidsville.

Lazzari-Strasiser said there have been people wondering if anything happened at Meyersdale, where Eppley served as a teacher for more than 30 years. She said, "We don't have any information, but of course if anything would develop, we would follow the investigation."

6 News stopped by the Meyersdale School District on Thursday and talked with Superintendent Tracey Karlie. He said Eppley was a respected member of the staff for more than 30 years and was involved in various activities in the district. He said that Eppley was looking forward to retirement, and he left on good terms. Karlie added that the allegations against Eppley come as a shock.

Lazzari-Strasiser said Eppley is currently only facing charges for inappropriate conduct with one child, but said she expects more charges against him in the near future.