A former high school band director in Mississippi has been arrested and charged with multiple sex crimes involving a minor.
Joe Michael Sanchez was charged with three counts of sexual battery after the unidentified minor and their parent reported him to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office this past weekend, according to WDAM. Sanchez worked as band director at Stringer Attendance Center for three years before accepting a job earlier this month at Northeast Jones High School.
The TV station spoke to the Jones County School District superintendent, who said Sanchez has only participated in summer band camp activities since being brought on board and other teachers have been present during those instances. The school district has moved forward in parting ways with Sanchez.
According to law enforcement, the alleged crimes took place in Jasper County, which is where Stringer is located. However, there is no confirmation that Sanchez and the alleged victim met through his position as an educator.
Sanchez was booked on a $175,000 bond and was released on Wednesday.
