L.A. Celebrities’ Piano Teacher Flees Amid Child Abuse Case
L.A. piano teacher John Kaleel, 69, has become a fugitive amid a child abuse case. He faced serious allegations of sexual abuse related to one of his students. Jurors found him guilty of multiple counts of sexual abuse on October 8. However, on the same day, Kaleel reportedly fled the country, leaving no trace.
Background of the Case
In 2016, Kaleel pleaded no contest to a lewd act with a teenage student. This conviction was a significant concern for him, as it could lead to deportation to his native Australia. L.A. County prosecutors retried him this year, during which he was released on his recognizance.
Details of the Allegations
- The initial allegation dates back to 2013 when the victim was 12 years old.
- According to court records, Kaleel asked the victim to measure his body parts.
- By age 15, more allegations emerged, including an incident involving marijuana and sexual conduct.
Flight from Justice
On October 8, jurors convicted Kaleel of multiple sexual abuse counts. Shortly after the verdict, he escaped, prompting the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to seek an “Extradition/Fugitive Hardcopy Warrant.” Details on how he absconded remain unclear, and Kaleel’s attorney, Kate Hardie, has had no contact with him since October 7.
Defense Claims
Hardie alleges that the district attorney’s office pursued a “vindictive prosecution” against Kaleel. She argues that her client was advised to take the plea deal to avoid a potentially harsher sentence. Kaleel has consistently maintained his innocence.
Kaleel’s Teaching Career
For over 25 years, Kaleel taught private piano lessons, particularly attracting clients from Hollywood. His website featured testimonials from notable industry figures, although many endorsements have since been retracted as representatives deny involvement.
Legal and Immigration Challenges
After his initial plea deal, Kaleel faced deportation under ICE but successfully challenged the removal order in 2019. In 2022, he won a case to overturn his original plea, citing misunderstandings about its immigration implications.
Reactions from Legal Experts
Dmitry Gorin, an experienced prosecutor, noted that it’s uncommon but not unheard of for defendants to disappear before verdicts. He remarked, “People’s conduct can be very unpredictable when they’re facing tremendous time in prison.”
This situation raises questions about the legal system’s handling of such cases, the responsibilities of law enforcement, and the accountability of individuals accused of serious crimes.
