The Cuyahoga County Grand Jury indicted the former Solon City School District band director — who is accused of inappropriately touching a 12-year-old student — on 18 counts of sexual crimes.
Edward Kline, 50, appeared for his arraignment September 23, charged with gross sexual imposition and held on a $50,000 bond.
On Tuesday (September 29), the Cuyahoga County Grand Jury indicted him on 18 counts, most of which are felonies, Solon Police Lt. Jamey Hofmann confirmed to the Cleveland Jewish News.
Authorities began investigating Kline in June. Police have interviewed more than a dozen women, including former students and teachers, alleging that Kline sexually assaulted a student in September 2010, when she was 12 years old.
The woman spoke during Kline’s September 23 arraignment, recalling that Kline allegedly “groped” her in his office while she tuned her clarinet. He explained at the time he had a “sensory issue” and needed to touch, she testified. The judge granted an order of protection.
That girl isn’t alone.
Hofmann told the Cleveland Jewish News that Kline’s charges involve nine women. Seven of them were minors at the time of the alleged incidents.
The lieutenant added that more people have come forward for interviews since Kline's September 23 arraignment.
In a previous statement, the Solon school district encouraged contacting the district or law enforcement with concerns. Contact the Safe School Helpline at 1-800-418-6423, ext. 359, or text TIPS to 66746.
Photo: Solon Police Department