By JIM TALBERT\Staff
TAZEWELL – A former Richlands High School band director faces seven counts of taking indecent liberties with a child by a person in a custodial or supervisory relationship.
Danny Lee Swartz, 41, of 629 Big Creek Road, Richlands was indicted during the July 8 session of grand jury. Swartz had resigned from the Tazewell County School system at the close of the last term.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Dennis Lee said the school system reported the complaint and cooperated fully with the investigation. Lee said the indictment alleges that through the 2007-8 school year he sexually abused more than one student by sexually touching, proposing sexual acts, exposing himself to students and asking a student to expose himself.
Lee said the charge against Swartz is a class five felony and each count is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing with the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Tazewell County Department of Social Services in charge.
Anyone with more information is encouraged to contact Special Agent John Santolla of the Virginia State Police at 276-762-2112. Swartz had been director of the Richlands band for several years and the band was recently recognized as a Virginia HonorsBand for the 10th time.
Lee said he anticipated Swartz would be arrested July 9. He will be taken before a circuit judge, who will decide whether or not he is held or released on bond and a court date may be scheduled.
It’s horriable when an event such as this happens. Let’s hope everyone keeps their head about them until the investigation is concluded. Could be true or an upset student who knows. but don’t prejudge.
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