MACON, Ga. — The Bibb County Sheriff's Office says they've arrested and charged Westside High School's band director, who is accused of inappropriately touching a student.
According to an incident report, Joseph Martin, age 40, was arrested last Friday and is charged with one count of sexual battery. According to the Bibb County Sheriff's Office, Martin was released from jail on a $20,000 bond.
On June 1, a deputy was called out to a home by a mom who said Martin sexually touched her son. The report says the teen considered him a father figure and mentor.
The teen said Martin had touched him several times during high school. He told the deputy he didn't come forward sooner because he was afraid of how Martin would react.
The victim said he had slept over willingly at Martin's house several times, most recently on May 30. That night, the teen said, Martin made the conversation more sexual and convinced the victim to sit on his couch naked.
After the teen grew uncomfortable, Martin allegedly told him, "Just a few more minutes." The incident report says the teen complied, not wanting to make Martin upset.
He later told his mom about what happened.
His mother told the deputy that she spoke to Martin, who was apologetic and said he knew he shouldn't have done it, the report says.
The deputy then went to Martin's home at Rutland Corner Apartments. When the deputy asked him about the May 30 allegations, Martin said "I do not wish to say." and asked for a lawyer.
Martin was also chairman of Westside's fine arts department.
According to the Bibb County School District, they learned of the allegations against him on June 1 and placed him on administrative leave.
As of June 11, they said, he was no longer employed by the school district. The district would not say if Martin was fired.