A Miami-Dade band teacher accused of grooming one of his students and engaging in a sexual relationship with her is expected to be released from jail after posting bond.
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According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, 33-year-old Heihachirō Nakashima, a band teacher and violinist, faces three counts of lewd and lascivious battery.
He posted bond Wednesday morning and was awaiting release from jail Wednesday night.
Investigators said Nakashima most recently worked at Palm Glades Preparatory Academy near Homestead.
Authorities allege the inappropriate relationship began after Nakashima invited the student to an orchestra performance in February. Detectives say the two then began communicating through text messages.
About a month later, investigators say they met for the first time outside of school, when Nakashima allegedly picked up the student and took her to his home. Detectives say the two continued meeting until last month.
According to investigators, Nakashima groomed the student by buying her numerous gifts and convincing her they were in love while using his position of authority over her.
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An arrest warrant alleges Nakashima and the student would lie together on his bed and become physically intimate. Investigators say he allegedly told the student she was the love of his life before the relationship escalated into multiple sexual encounters.
The investigation began after the student reported the relationship to law enforcement.
Detectives are urging parents to remain involved in their children’s lives by paying attention to unexplained gifts and monitoring their phones and social media activity for possible warning signs.
As part of his release conditions, Nakashima is not allowed to travel. Detectives said he had planned a trip to Japan to visit family, but that trip has been canceled.
In addition to working at Palm Glades Preparatory Academy, authorities said Nakashima previously taught at schools in Hialeah and Coral Gables.
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The case remains under investigation.