NJ Piano Teacher Sexually Harassed, Stalked Teen Student, Prosecutors Say

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A Passaic County piano teacher is facing charges after making sexual advances on his underage student, prosecutors say.

John Bendzak, 72, of West Milford, was arrested this week following a weeks-long investigation into the sexual harassment of a teenager.

Officials say that on July 22, authorities launched an investigation when they were told that Bendzak tried to start an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old for whom he was providing private music lessons.

Specifically, Bendzak tried to engage in sexual conduct with the student on July 9 at a West Milford home, officials say.

Following that incident, Bendzak continuously sent harassing communications to the victim, prosecutors added.

Following the investigation, Bendzak was arrested on Wednesday near Morsetown Road in West Milford.

He was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and fourth-degree stalking.

If convicted, Bendzak could face up to ten years for the child endangerment charge alone.

Authorities expect Bendzak to be released on pretrial monitoring to await court proceedings.

The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident or other incidents regarding Bendzak to contact its tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO.