James Ciammetti
Posted by Webmaster in Band/Music, Hall of Shame, High Schools, Indiana, ME-FV, Middle Schools
(09/05/08 – Initial BBT Report)
James Alan Ciammetti, 41, a band teacher at Clark Middle/High School in Whiting, Indiana has been arrested and charged with two counts of child molestation, two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and one count of child solicitation.
Ciammetti is alleged to have had sex multiple times with an eighth-grade female student on school grounds during the course of their 10-month relationship.
It is alleged that Ciammetti exchanged hundreds of e-mails, most sexual or obscene in nature, with the 14-year-old girl over the course of the illicit relationship.
Prosecutors say that the relationship became more intimate late in 2007 and that the two had oral sex and intercourse in Ciammetti’s office, the band storage room and main band room. Police say that the girl told them that she and Ciammetti had sex at least 10 times between April and the first day of this school year, with Ciammetti using a condom.
Ciammetti came to the attention of authorities after his communications with the girl were allegedly discovered by the girl’s father who used a computer program that tracks activities on a computer.
Following his arrest Ciammetti was being held in the Lake County Jail in lieu of $160,000 bail.
Ciammetti, who has worked for the school system for 16 years, has been suspended without pay.
09/15/08 – Court Appearance and Not Guilty Plea
James Ciammetti pleaded not guilty Monday in Lake Criminal Court on two counts of child molesting, two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and one count of child solicitation.
Ciammetti remains held in the Lake County Jail in lieu of $160,000 bail.
09/22/08 – Bond Reduction Request Withdrawn
The attorney for James Ciammetti today withdrew a motion for bond reduction.
No indication of why the request was withdraw was initially available.
The next court hearing date for James Ciammetti is set for November 3rd.
11/12/08 – Case Update
As is so often the case, when a question arises regarding a case covered on this site, one of our many fine readers comes forward with additional information – webmaster
The bond reduction hearing for James Ciammetti did not go forward because he was named in a federal arrest warrant for use of interstate commerce to attempt to engage in sexual activity with the girl.
Reportedly defense attorney Richard Wolter Jr. withdrew the hearing request in light of the arrest warrant filed in U.S. District Court in Hammond.
03/25/09 – A New Federal Indictment
James Ciammetti was indicted last week in federal court in Hammond on charges that he sexually enticed a minor, crossed state lines for sex acts with a minor, made child pornography and transported images of child pornography across state lines.
The most recent indictment supersedes a previous indictment charging him with sexual enticement and crossing state lines for sex acts with a minor.
04/07/09 – Psychological Evaluation Ordered
Despite objections by James Ciammetti himself, his attorney requested and a federal magistrate ordered a psychological evaluation of Ciammetti before he faces federal charges of having sex with an eighth-grade girl.
Ciammetti’s attorney was quoted as saying:
“Suffice to say, I have some concerns as to mental health issues for my client.”
10/06/09 – Guilty Plea
Reportedly, James Alan Ciammetti has pleaded guilty in federal court to one count each of enticing a minor and making child pornography.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Ciammetti has agreed to a sentence recommendation of 30 years in prison and 20 years of supervised release. Ciammetti will also have to register as a sex offender for the next 25 years. However, the judge has the authority to choose a different sentencing arrangement.
References:
Former teacher pleads guilty to child porn (10/06/09)
Hammond band teacher to undergo psych evaluation (04/06/09)
Hammond band teacher now faces federal child sex charges (03/23/09)
Law and Order — Court roundup (Via Google Archive)
Clark band teacher’s bond reduction request withdrawn (09/22/08)
Teacher pleads not guilty to having sex with girl (09/15/08)
Oak Lawn man faces child molestation charges (09/06/08)
Clark band teacher accused of fondling girl, 14 (09/05/08)
Prosecutor: Band teacher, student had 10-month relationship (09/05/08)
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So, what is this “much more” to the story?
Actually, Aspergers does have a great deal of an impact on an individuals ability to communicate and reason. It can be an explanation for such behavior, do not believe it was ever used as an excuse in this case. As for a plea deal, well presume what you want, but there are many things that had a great deal of influence on that decision and it was not what most may believe.
As stated before there is always two sides to a story, in this case there is much more to the story.
Not sure if everything and everyone was thoroughly investigated. Many unanswered questions.
Aspergers Syndrome has nothing to do with his actions. He molested a child and now he is looking for a excuse for his actions. There is NONE!!!! If he was not guilty why did he take a plea deal? Maybe because he knew when the facts came out he would get more time. Hope he rots in hell.
Some clarifications:
James Ciammetti has Aspergers Syndrome. He has had iAspergers all his life, most people who know or have known James are aware of that fact and have been aware of that fact for many years.
Only those directly involved in this case know all the facts, not everything about the case, evidence etc. is reported here or in the newspapers, therefore those making comments based on what they have read here or in the newspaper, do not really have complete knowledge of this particular case. It is unfortunate that because of the plea agreement everything will not be revealed. There are always two sides to the story.
To “anon.”
What do you mean my comments are innacurate? Excuse me, but I am a primary participant. I am not a liar, nor did I fabricate any of the information I have given in this forum.
I have spoken to my experiences with James. So, unless you are, in fact James, how do YOU know what I am informed or misinformed about?