Panama City, FL - A Bay County jury found former Rutherford High School band director Lindsey Robert Stuart, 38, guilty on all charges stemming from his sexual relationship with a 14-year-old student. The verdict was delivered Thursday afternoon after just one hour of jury deliberation.
Investigation Began in Early 2024
In January 2024, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division opened an inquiry into allegations that Stuart was involved in a romantic relationship with a student while employed at the school. Evidence collected during the investigation included dozens of handwritten love letters exchanged between Stuart and the victim.
Emotional Testimony From Victim and Mother
The now 14-year-old victim took the stand during the trial, recounting her relationship with Stuart, which lasted approximately a year and a half. Her mother testified that she found 29 pages of letters from Stuart, each describing memories and intimate encounters.
“You heard the testimony from Mr. Stuart today,” said prosecuting attorney Francis Victor Sullivan. “His argument is that this is fantasy; the sexual stuff didn’t happen. These letters are extremely important, but they aren’t the end of the story.”
Stuart Defends His Letters on the Stand
Taking the stand in his own defense, Stuart admitted to writing the letters but claimed they were exaggerated and fictional. “If you’re writing about things that didn’t happen, you might also get out of order,” Stuart testified, maintaining that his writings reflected imagination rather than events.
Jury Returns Swift Verdict
After hearing final arguments, jurors deliberated for roughly an hour before returning to the courtroom to announce Stuart’s conviction on all counts, including sexual battery.
Stuart is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on February 16, where he faces significant prison time for his offenses.
Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyer Explains Legal Options for Families After Band Director Abuse
Parents of children abused by a band director often feel overwhelmed, angry, and unsure of what to do next. In this interview, Florida sexual abuse lawyer Michael Haggard shares the legal avenues families can consider when a trusted music teacher or band leader exploits a student. Haggard discusses how criminal cases intersect with civil lawsuits, when schools and districts may be held responsible, and what practical steps families can take to protect their child, preserve evidence, and seek accountability through the courts.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: Florida law treats teacher-student sex as non-consensual. What civil claims can families file?
Michael Haggard, Esq.: Survivors can sue the teacher for battery, emotional distress, and negligence. Schools face liability if they ignored complaints about boundary-crossing behavior like private lessons or excessive contact. Districts must prove they followed reporting protocols.
Banville: How does a civil suit differ from the criminal case here?
Haggard: Criminal court punishes the offender through jail time. Civil court compensates victims for therapy, lost opportunities, and lifelong trauma—often from schools that failed to act.
Banville: What should parents do first?
Haggard: Report to police and preserve messages or notes. Consult a lawyer promptly to meet filing deadlines and build a case against all responsible parties.
Take Action Today
If you or your family has been affected by abuse from a band director or school staff member, don’t wait to get help. Contact our firm now for a free, confidential consultation where an experienced sexual abuse attorney can review your case, explain your legal rights, and guide you toward justice and recovery.
Source
https://www.wjhg.com/2026/01/08/former-bds-teacher-charged-with-multiple-sex-offenses-found-guilty/
