An Orleans Parish jury acquitted a former high school band instructor late Monday on two counts of molesting a juvenile, stemming from an allegation that led to his dismissal two years ago from McDonogh 35 High School.

Patrick Williams, 35, an assistant band instructor, was accused of bringing four students to a home in eastern New Orleans in October 2008, where police said two girls and two boys ages 14 to 17 engaged in or witnessed various sex acts.

Police arrested Williams seven months later and booked him with felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, conspiring to commit felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and four counts of indecent behavior with juveniles. Police at the time said they learned of the incident after one of the girls told her mother several months later during a heart-to-heart chat.

 

courthouse-broad-street.JPGThe ACLU questioned whether judges are ignoring U.S. Supreme Court decisions that require judges to determine if there is a legitimate reason why a defendant can't pay before putting the person in jail. 

Williams had worked at several schools as an assistant band director and drum instructor before Hurricane Katrina, and then at McDonogh 35 after the storm. A musician at the time said Williams also played harmonica with Rockin' Dopsie Jr.

Following the allegation, Orleans Parish schools officials terminated Williams' contract and offered counseling for students at the school, which serves grades seven through 12 at 1331 Kerlerec St. in the 7th Ward.

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  • WHOOOOAAAA and SMH
  • aint that somethin' ...
  • He was wrong on so many levels. But if he didn't touch one of the children, film, or engage in any sort of sexual activity with them, then I guess you got to let him go.
  •  

    Band Directors: WHEN BE COOL GOES WRONG!!!!

    ... and Parent kill me, sometime. Where was that girl's mother when her daughter  was actually at that mans house. how do a child get to this man's house and the mother don't know until months later.  But quick to press charges... Shoulda put her ass in jail.

     

    KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE!!!! dont giva damn how old they are

    • Exactly!
  • Damn shame !
  • Wow.

    I don't have any facts but...

    Judging by the responses here it seems like the man is guilty.

    the only people that know the truth are Williams and the accusers.

    this man was proven innocent by a jury of his peers that accounts for so much more than your opinions.

    It's sad and unfortunate that it's highly unlikely that he will get a job in the education community of new orleans again after his innocence was proven but you people have neither the facts or ability to prosecute this man so please reserve your judgment.

    Now if you were there then you are credible but shouldn't be spilling details about this case over the 'net but if you just heard or someone told you then just shut up.

    The good thing is that the trial is a part of the public record so if you want to know the details then just go to the court or city hall and they will be glad to sell you a transcipt

     

  • Well, he was proven INNOCENT in a court of law, so who am I to judge the guy? If he is truly innocent, I hope he's able to re-establish himself somewhere. I highly doubt that anybody in N.O. will hire him.
    • A New Orleans court of all places... Theres been movies made about that so-called justice system.

       

      A grown man dragging 4 kids to his home is innappropiate on any level. But he claimed he wasnt there...

       

      ANYWAYS!!!

       

      • You know what? You're absolutely right. The N.O. justice system is terrible....BUT, for him to get off from that kind of charge says to me that the accusers maybe lied...or didn't have a strong enough case to convict him. There's no reason for the court to help this man out, so I doubt there was any corruption involved in the verdict. I agree that a grown man should not bring 4 kids into his home....but neither you, I, or the prosecution in the courtroom could prove that he did, so how can we treat him as if he's guilty?
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