HOUSTON – New allegations have been released about a man accused of molesting an 8-year-old girl while he taught her piano lessons at a local Catholic church.
Lawrence Patrick, 65, has been charged with indecency with a child, and investigators say there could be more than one victim.
During a taped interview, the alleged victim told authorities that Patrick touched her breast on 32 occasions and that he would stand behind her while she was playing the piano and put his hands down the front of her shirt when she would stop.
The alleged incidents took place after school at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
The Archdiocese of Galveston Houston released a statement saying the school and Archdiocese fully cooperated with the civil authorities' investigation.
"We are deeply saddened and angered each time a crime of this nature is reported. We stand firm in our resolve to prevent abuse from happening to youth and are committed to providing a safe environment for all young people entrusted to our care," according to the statement.
Authorities said they have learned that a 10-year-old female student made a similar outcry against Patrick in 2007. At the time, she said that "Mr Patrick had touched his private parts to her knee" when she was sitting on a stool in his classroom. The alleged victim said that Patrick had positioned himself so that her body was between his legs and that she felt something against her.
Police are asking anyone with information about these reported cases or any new alleged victims to come forward.
Patrick was released on $50,000 bail.