A month after his arrest on child molestation and sexual assault charges, a former band instructor at Gwinnett County's most prestigious high school is asking to be released from jail.
Michael Appelbaum, 41, was arrested April 20 amid allegations that, during the 2011-12 school year, he had sexual relations with a female student at the Gwinnett School of Science, Mathematics and Technology. He's also accused of inappropriately touching another student in 2013.
One of four Gwinnett teachers to be arrested on sex-based charges this school year, Appelbaum has remained in the Gwinnett County jail since his arrest – but his attorneys are hoping that will change next week.
Gwinnett County court records show a bond hearing is scheduled for the morning of May 26.
Appelbaum's attorney, Kevin Pratt, could not immediately be reached for comment Friday morning, but has previously questioned the charges against his client.
"I have no idea why they are bringing the charges the way they are," Pratt told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution last month.
“He’s a schoolteacher,” Pratt added. “He doesn’t understand why this is happening to him.”
MORE: Read a breakdown of the case against all four Gwinnett teachers.
MORE: Read an in-depth look at teacher-student sex cases – and how to stop them.
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