An Assistant Aiken New Tech High School principal already facing sexual battery charges has been indicted on additional charges involving four newly discovered victims.

Steven Barton, 43, was indicted today on six counts of sexual battery and two counts of grooming. The additional charges stem from allegations involving four additional students that were discovered after Barton was initially indicted under a separate case.

Barton used his position as an assistant principal to have inappropriate physical contact with students. In several instances, he accessed school records to determine which classes students were in before removing students from class and taking them to private locations. Barton took some students shopping, drove them to and from school, and sent them money through Cash App.

Two of the newly identified victims were 15 years old and two were 17 years old at the time of the alleged conduct.

"Barton exploited his position of authority," said Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich.



Barton was previously indicted on five charges of sexual battery and one charge of grooming involving a 16-year-old student.