George Serban, 38, a music teacher at Riverside Elementary School, turned himself in on Tuesday.
ST. TAMMANY PARISH, La. — A Pearl River teacher was arrested and accused of putting Band-Aids on students’ mouths. His attorney says it was part of a music training exercise.
George Serban, 38, a music teacher at Riverside Elementary School, turned himself in to police Tuesday. Jail records show he was booked for simple battery and cruelty to juveniles.
Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino called this investigation odd.
“This is quite an unusual arrest,” Ciolino said.
In a letter, Serban’s attorney said the teacher was doing a training exercise with students around 8 to 10 years old, using the Dalcroze Eurhythmics technique. A musical method where students are encouraged to engage the whole body to grasp concepts like rhythm, ear training, and musical expression.
Pearl River police said Serban used the Band-Aids because students were talking in class. Officials also said the incident scared the children and that the Band-Aids were applied without consent.
Ciolino said if the case goes to court, the students’ testimony will hold weight.
“It absolutely matters what the kids say about this. They’re witnesse(s) even though they’re young children,” he said.
In a statement to WWL, the St. Tammany Parish Public School System said: “the safety and security of our students is our top priority.”
The investigation has been handed over to the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney.
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