SUMMIT TWP — A criminal investigation has been launched into the delayed response from Butler School District officials after unsafe levels of lead were found in water from Summit Township Elementary School in August.

Butler County District Attorney Rich Goldinger said that he received a letter from district solicitor Tom King asking for his office to determine if any criminal activity had occurred at the school or in the district.

Goldinger said he referred the case to the state police in Butler Thursday morning and that an investigator would be assigned to look into the matter.

The officer will eventually report any findings to Goldinger who will determine whether criminal charges would be filed, he said.

Following a lengthy executive session during Monday night’s school board meeting, the board voted in favor of having King report any findings that may involve criminal activity to the proper authorities.

The board also hired attorney Michael Witherel to investigate the incident independently of law enforcement and make a report back to the board and King.