High school band director accused of sex assault to face judge

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A West Charlotte High School band director will be in court Tuesday, accused of molesting one of his former students.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrested 58-year-old Duncan Gray Sunday, charging him with two counts of taking indecent liberties with a student.

A former West Charlotte High School student told detectives that several years ago when he was a student in the band, his director, Gray, sexually assaulted him.

The student said that the assault took place inside the high school.

After detectives interviewed Gray, they charged him with two counts of indecent liberties with a student.

“If you have information related to this case please come forward and reach out to us,” said Lt. Tom Barry, who is in CMPD’s Special Victims Division that investigated the case.

Barry said it is an ongoing investigation that began when that alleged victim came forward several weeks ago.

Gray’s arrest has stunned many, including some parents who are involved with the band program at West Charlotte.

“It's a devastating shock, and it's a hurtful feeling,” Shmel Hughes said Monday.  She has a daughter in the band and is on the band’s executive board, and said they are supporting Gray.

“We as an executive board, we are standing behind our director because we just don't believe these allegations that have been used against him,” Hughes said.

No one answered the door at Gray’s home on Monday.

Hughes said she is confident he will come through the case alright and will always remember the good he did for students.

“I've been with him for four years.  There's kids I've seen come through this program that wasn't even going to graduate high school and he turned them around,” Hughes said.

School officials said Gray has been suspended with pay pending the investigation.

The school issued the following statement to parents:

"Good evening,

This is principal Barnes-Jones with an important message. A CMPD investigation has resulted in the felony arrest and suspension of the West Charlotte band director. We will have counselors offering support on  campus for any student who would like to speak to someone. 

Our team is committed to providing a continued educational atmosphere at West Charlotte, thank you for your support."

Gray has worked at West Charlotte High School since 2007.

Police spoke with Channel 9 Monday morning and said they were not sure if there were any other victims and were urging any witnesses or potential victims to come forward.

Gray is being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail under a $50,000 bond.

The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information about the case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

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