A former DeKalb County chorus teacher goes on trial Monday on charges he allowed male students to perform a "Chippendales style" revue in class.
Nathan Grigsby is eager to prove his innocence, his attorney, Jackie Patterson, told the AJC.
"We do not contest that this incident occurred," Patterson said of the lewd dance, a video of which students posted on Facebook. "Mr. Grigsby had no knowledge they were going to perform this type of activity and when he did notice, he put a stop to it right away. He then called the kids in and scolded them."
The incident happened in December 2008 at Southwest DeKalb High School. When the popular teacher was subsequently fired, parents and students protested.
Grigsby originally was charged with a total of 10 misdemeanor counts of public indecency and contributing to the deprivation of a minor. However, he's now charged with five counts of contributing to the deprivation of a minor, Patterson said.
Jury selection will be held Monday morning in DeKalb County State Court, with the trial expected to start in the afternoon. Each count is punishable by up to a year in jail.
According to Solicitor-General Robert James, three male students removed their shirts and pants and performed lap dances. They pulled female students by the ankles and then simulated sex acts, James said. Grigsby supplied the music: Silk's "Meeting in My Bedroom," James said.
"There were lewd caresses and gropes all in the presence of a teacher," James told the AJC. "Under the law, if you have custody and control of kids, you are held to a higher standard. You don't get to just turn your head."
Grigsby remains on the faculty at Agnes Scott College, where he's directed the Joyful Noise gospel choir for more than 20 years. The college's Web site notes Grigsby was voted Teacher of the Year in Atlanta Public Schools in 1993.
Grigsby taught at Southwest DeKalb for eight years.
"He's had a stellar record at both institutions," Patterson said.
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