(07/16/08 - Initial BBT Report)
Russell Pittman, 46, a band teacher at Pines Middle School, in Pembroke Pines, Florida has been arrested and is charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a 14-year-old female student.
Reportedly the girl and her family considered Pittman a friend and mentor for the girl.
According to a spokesperson for the Pembroke Pines Police Department, “He went in to give the victim a hug, and when he was doing so, he grabbed her breasts and he also attempted to put his hand into her shirt”.
When the alleged victims told friends of the incident they convinced the girl to tell her mother. The girl’s mother upon hearing of the incident called police. Officers had the girl call Pittman while detectives recorded the phone conversation. It is alleged that during that phone call that Pittman repeatedly apologized for his actions, and told the girl that he loved her.
It is alleged that after police advised Pittman of his rights that he admitted to officers that he hugged the girl from behind and grabbed her breasts. Police also say that Pittman told them that he knew the touching was inappropriate and that he removed his hand from the girl’s body immediately.
Following his arrest, Pittman was charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation.
Bond for Pittman was set at $20,000 and he was subsequently freed on bond.
Pittman, who has worked for the school district since 1988, has been reassigned to administrative duties where he will have no contact with children.
References:
Teacher Charged With Molesting Student (07/16/08)
Pines middle school band teacher accused of molesting student (07/15/08)
Broward School Teacher Faces Molestation Charges (07/15/08)
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