Band director accused of seeking sex with teen

6/12/2003

LIMA, Ohio — The assistant band director at Evergreen Local High School was arraigned in Lima Municipal Court yesterday on a felony charge of importuning.

Christopher Helle, 30, of Sylvania posted $5,000 cash bond and was released from the Allen County Jail awaiting a June 20 court appearance. He was arrested Monday after traveling to Lima to meet with what he thought was a 14-year-old girl.

Mr. Helle allegedly initiated contact on an Internet chat room with a Lima police officer posing as a teenage girl. Police said the Internet exchange continued for more than a month.

Mr. Helle was charged with importuning because he allegedly told the officer online that he wanted to meet for sex.