Michigan- Warren police have obtained a warrant for the arrest of a former band director at Warren Cousino High School who is accused of having an improper relationship with two former female students.
John P. Moore, who has worked for the school since 1998, is expected to turn himself in to police this week, Warren Police Sgt. Michael Torey said Sunday. A warrant was obtained Friday.
Moore retired a week ago amid allegations and a criminal investigation. Before his retirement, the district was planning to file charges with the Michigan Tenure Commission after its internal investigation. Moore had been on paid leave for a couple weeks before stepping down. The school’s assistant band director, Cheryl Seck, took over his duties.
Cousino High School is in the Warren Consolidated School District.
Moore faces two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of stalking. Police would not elaborate on the specifics of the allegations but said they were made in early November.
Cousino junior Alex Schajter, 16, a percussionist who has had Moore for a teacher for three years, said he doesn’t believe the allegations are true.
“I don’t think he would have inappropriate contact with any student,” said Schajter, who calls Moore a mentor. “The thing about the band program is that it’s more like a family than a class.”
Schajter said the shake-up has rattled the band program.
“They just took out the central pillar of the band program,” he said. “How can they expect that things will be OK?”
In an unrelated sexual misconduct case, two Warren Consolidated officials and the district’s former superintendent are expected in federal court this week to defend themselves in a lawsuit filed by the parents of three girls who were molested by a now-retired teacher.
Superintendent James Clor, Siersma Elementary School teacher Gerald Maiorano and former district Superintendent Paul Stamatakis are accused of negligence in allowing teacher Arnold Kearly to transfer to an elementary school despite complaints about inappropriate behavior.
In 1998, Kearly resigned and pleaded no contest to fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charges. He served 90 days in jail.