The Hall County violin teacher charged with child molestation last month is now facing accusations from three additional students — as well as 50 counts of possession of child pornography.
Leon Messerlian, the 85-year-old founder of Gainesville's Oxford Academy of Classical Studies, was arrested July 29 after a former student told police he had been abused over a five-year period. Originally charged with single counts of child molestation, sexual battery and enticing a child for indecent purposes, Messerlian "utilized his business … to have inappropriate sexual contact with a minor," authorities said.
Since Messerlian’s arrest, three more alleged victims have come forward, Hall County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Deputy Nicole Bailes confirmed Saturday. Fifty counts of possession of child pornography were also filed after authorities searched his computer hard drives, Bailes confirmed.
Messerlian, a Clermont resident, taught in Hall County for 14 years.
The Gainesville Times reported that he was denied bond during a Friday court appearance.
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