The former Solon City School District band director accused of alleged sex crimes of young students stretching as far back as a decade ago has been charged.
Edward Kline, 50, appeared for his arraignment at 11 a.m. Wednesday (September 23) after being booked into the Solon Jail. He is held on a $50,000 bond.
Police say Kline is charged with gross sexual imposition.
The investigation into allegations against the former band director launched in June.
According to 19News, which live-streamed Kline’s arraignment in the Bedford Municipal Court, police interviewed up to 12 women while investigating allegations against Kline. Former students and teachers alleged that the band instructor, who taught eighth-grade students at the time, sexually assaulted a 12-year-old student in September 2010.
The victim spoke in court Wednesday, recalling the day Kline allegedly called her into his office to tune her clarinet, closed the door and "groped" the back of her thigh. He explained at the time he had a "sensory issue" and needed to touch, she testified.
The judge granted an order of protection.
“We have been informed by the Solon Police Department that a former teacher was arrested and charged today in relation to inappropriate contact with a student in 2010,” the school district said in a statement Wednesday. “The district became aware of these troubling new allegations this summer. As we communicated to our school community in June when these new reports were made, school should be a safe space and we take the safety and emotional well-being of all our students – past and present – extremely seriously.”
Though school district officials declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation, they encouraged contacting the school district or law enforcement with concerns. Contact the Safe School Helpline at 1-800-418- 6423, ext. 359, or text TIPS to 66746.
Although law enforcement didn’t provide many details about Kline’s charges, he is expected to face additional charges as the investigation continues.
The Cuyahoga Grand Jury will consider Kline's case, Fox8 noted. He will appear in court again October 1.
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