LOCAL

Former Grand Ledge band director charged with 13 more child sex crimes in Florida

Lansing State Journal

FLINT — Michigan State Police are investigating a former Grand Ledge band teacher who faces 14 felony charges in Florida related to child pornography.

Investigators are looking into allegations made against Christopher Blackmer in Genesee County, MSP Lt. Duane Zook said Wednesday. Blackmer worked with Kearsley Public Schools in the Flint area prior to his time at Grand Ledge Public Schools.

The allegations come about three months after Blackmer, a 47-year-old who directed the Grand Ledge High School band from 2008 to 2013 and taught sixth grade band at Willow Ridge Elementary during some of that time, was arrested in Florida after police discovered child pornography on his phone

Police discovered a video from 2014 they believe depicts Blackmer having sex with an underage student.

Blackmer, who now lives in Florida, was arrested in April and charged with one count of possessing materials depicting sexual performance by a child.

Prosecutors added 13 counts about three weeks ago. Blackmer now faces 14 felony charges:

Five counts of using a child in a sexual performance, a second-degree felony
Five counts of unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child, a third-degree felony
Three counts of sexual activity with a 16 or 17-year-old by a school authority figure, a first-degree felony
One count of transmitting child pornography by electronic device, a third-degree felony

The charges stem from five videos, at least three of which depict Blackmer engaging in various sexual acts with an underage student, according to court records.

The videos were recorded in 2014. Blackmer left his role in Grand Ledge in July 2013, district spokesperson John Ellsworth said.

Ellsworth said nothing in Blackmer's personnel file indicates any abuse or accusations of abuse.

"The district works to maintain the safety and well-being of our students and our staff," Ellsworth said Wednesday in an email.

According to court documents, Blackmer faces anywhere from 30 years to life in prison if convicted. He pleaded not guilty to all 14 counts.

Anyone with tips for MSP investigators can contact one of the department's eight local posts.

Contact reporter Megan Banta at (517) 377-1261 or mbanta@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @MeganBanta_1.

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