HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - A Henrico County dance instructor charged with having an inappropriate sexual relationship with girl at the studio where he taught was denied bond during a Monday morning hearing.
Henrico Police charged Andrew Defiesta, 34, of Chesterfield, with indecent liberties with a minor while in custodial role. Police arrested Defiesta on Friday, Henrico Police spokeswoman Lt. Linda Toney said.
"Detectives received information that a male dance instructor was possibly having inappropriate sexual relationships with female juvenile dancers at the studio where he is employed," Toney wrote in an email. "Charges were placed based on an incident that occurred involving a 16-year-old female in September of 2012."
During Monday morning's hearing, an attorney with the Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney's office said the investigation began after someone walked in on Defiesta and the teenager having sex at the studio.
The teenager initially denied the relationship, but then admitted it happened to a parent. She said Defiesta threatened her life if anyone found out about the relationship, prosecutors said. The threats were one reason why the judge ruled to deny bond.
Defiesta is currently being held at Henrico County jail. He worked at the Regency Dance Academy in the 8900 block of Quiocassin Road.
The owner of the studio, John Crouch, said he was shocked by the arrest. He said he is cooperating with police and hoped due process of the law plays out.
Crouch called Defiesta one of his most beloved teachers - a favorite of both students and parents. Defiesta's wife also taught dance at the studio.
She testified during Monday's hearing that her husband was not a flight risk due to the couple's three children.
