Drama Teacher Pleads No Contest to Felony Voyeurism Charges

A former drama teacher at a private high school has been convicted of 17 felony counts of voyeurism, three misdemeanor voyeurism counts and one count of misdemeanor sexual imposition. The teacher, 44-year-old L.D., is accused of filming female students while they were changing. In one instance students reported that he had asked them to change into leotards with no underwear under the clothing. An investigation into the defendant began when one student reported that L.D. had fondled her under her skirt while they were rehearsing lines. She was an 18-year-old senior at the time. Investigators asked the teen to wear a concealed recording device and meet with L.D. She agreed and L.D. was reportedly recorded saying he apologized for the fondling incident. Based on that recording, authorities obtained a search warrant for L.D.'s home where they found videos of students changing. Over 20 girls were filmed, 17 of them were under 18 years old. L.D. was taken into custody and subsequently fired from his teaching position at the school. Have you been accused of a sex offense? Get the help of a criminal defense attorney immediately.

Defendant Faces Possibility of Nearly 20 Years in Prison

L.D. pled no contest to all the counts against him and could be sentenced up to 17 years in prison for the 17 felonies and two misdemeanors. The man did not admit guilt but the judge has convicted him and ordered that a pre-sentencing investigation be conducted. L.D. and his attorney are going to appeal the admissibility of the video tapes that were entered into evidence after the search warrant was served. There had been controversy concerning the search warrant early on in the case. It was alleged at one point that the detective involved had lied to obtain the search warrant. A county appeals court later ruled that the detective had not made any false statements intentionally or with reckless disregard for the truth. L.D.'s sentencing hearing is scheduled for mid August. He remains free on bond until that time.

Columbus Criminal Defense Lawyer for Sex Crime Cases

Sex offense cases are some of the most complex criminal matters that hit the courts. The very accusation of having supposedly committed a sex crime can be devastating to an individual's reputation and career. Obtaining the representation of a skilled defense lawyer right away is vital to getting your case resolved as rapidly as possible. Contact us at the Meranda Law Firm today to find out how we may be able to fight the charges against you!