A former band director at an Alabama high school has been accused of committing sex crimes to at least eight young girls.
Jeffery Lance Gainous, 32, was reportedly only a few weeks into a new position in Georgia when he was arrested Wednesday on charges of school employee engaging in a sex act, WALA reports. Police said additional charges are forthcoming.
Gainous taught band at T. R. Miller High School in Brewton, Alabama, for six years. Cops say that he bound and gagged his victims and used other bondage devices on them. Some of the teens were former students, and none of were aware of each others’ alleged involvement with the teacher until recently.
WALA reported Thursday that several of the alleged sex crimes took place at the suspect’s home, but others took place in the band room at the school.
The Thomasville Times-Enterprise reported that accusations were made by former band members at Miller.
Police said that Gainous was a popular and well-liked instructor at the school.
“I know what kids said about him,” Brewton Police Chief Monte McGougin told Reuters. “They loved him. They say he was great, but this is terrible.”
Police launched an investigation after two of Gainous’ alleged victims contacted Brewton Police. Police said the victims in the case are ages 14 to 18.
During a forensic interview following his Aug. 20 arrest, Gainous admitted to having sex with one of the minors, and also told cops that he’d sent sexually themed text messages to others.
Officials at the South Georgia school district where Gainous was recently employed told the Thomasville Times-Enterprise that the allegations were made “within the last couple of weeks” by former school band members.
Gainous was arrested in Georgia and brought back to Alabama on Thursday to face charges.
McGougin said that while the band teacher appeared to show little remorse at first, he’s “changed his tune” now that the gravity of the situation has sunk in.
