Former Gwinnett Band Leader Denies Sex With Students

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- The lawyer for the former band directdor at Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology says his client isn't guilty of charges he had sex with at least one student.

"I have no idea why they are bringing the charges the way they are," Kevin J. Pratt, attorney for Michael Appelbaum, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Pratt spoke after Appelbaum waived a court appearance Thursday morning.

"He’s a schoolteacher," Pratt added. "He doesn’t understand why this is happening to him."

Appelbaum was arrested on multiple charges, including aggravated child molestation and sexual assault by a teacher, principal or administrator, last Tuesday -- the same day that U.S. News and World Report ranked GCSMST the No. 1 high school in Georgia.

A statement from Gwinnett County Public Schools said that Appelbaum resigned March 18. He had been at the school for more than seven years.

A former student contacted police, saying she had an inappropriate sexual relationship with Appelbaum when she was still a student at the school, according to the statement.

Appelbaum denied the relationship during an internal investigation, the school system said in a letter to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

He continues to be held without bond at Gwinnett County Detention Center.

To read the AJC's report, click here.