May 6, 2008 2:37 pm US/Eastern
Piano Teacher Teacher Faces Fondling Charges
Layman Has 15 Years Teaching Experience
Suspect's Wife Says Accusations Are False
HOLLYWOOD (CBS4) ―
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David Layman
BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE/CBS
A popular piano teacher from Tamarac who was accused of molesting some of his students was back in court to face additional charges.
Tuesday, 35-year old David was charged with 2 counts of fondling a child. Previously, Layman had been charged with 6 counts of child molestation.
Layman, who taught at the Arts Academy of Hollywood, the Imagine Charter School in Weston and gave private lessons was arrested in April after a 7-year old boy told his mother that the piano teacher fondled him repeatedly during a private lesson in the boy's home. Layman was charged with 'lewd or lascivious molestation' and 'lewd or lascivious conduct'.
After Layman's arrest, the Arts Academy of Hollywood released the following statement:
"We are in shock about these allegations regarding Mr. Layman. At the Arts Academy we are a responsible organization that conducts thorough background checks and requires fingerprints prior to employment of employees, volunteers, and everyone that works in the building. Until we are able to fully investigate this matter within our own organization, it would be best for us to not make any comment."
Less than two weeks later, Layman was charged with 3 additional counts of 'lewd and lascivious molestation' after two 9-year old boys came forward claiming he molested them. One of the incidents reportedly happened at the Imagine Charter School.
Some parents, like Rita Soluri whose daughter has known Layman since kindergarten, said she can't believe it.
"She loves Mr. Layman, he was very nice with the kids," said Soluri.
Soluri said her daughter took the accusations pretty hard, "She said 'Oh mommy, so sad, he's a nice teacher."
"I think it's alarming," said concerned parent Nicole Banner. "I mean, I'm surprised because this school has been here for a long time. You'd think that they'd do enough back-up research on people; I guess you just don't know."
Layman's wife says the accusations are a "complete fabrication."
Layman is being held in BSO's Conte Facility without bond.
Anyone who may know of additional victims is asked to contact BSO Sex Crime Detective Carol Dansky at 954-321-4240 or call Broward Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at 954-493-TIPS
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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