MESQUITE, TX – A band director that was formerly the director for a number of schools in the Abilene area was arrested for online solicitation of a minor.
Police arrested James Earl Cude, 54, after he came in communication with a police officer posing as a 13-year-old boy. The detective was on the app Grindr and was posing as a child in order to catch predators.
Police say Cude told the detective different sexual acts he wanted to perform on the child. Dallas Police Department was informed that Cude asked to meet with the boy at a local restaurant.
Cude arrived to find police ready to arrest him. He was arrested and released from jail on a $15,000 bond.
According to KTXS, Cude was currently the band director at North Mesquite High, but also taught in the Abilene area for 14 years. He taught at Roscoe, Hamlin and Breckenridge.
Cude was placed on administrative leave at NMHS until the investigation is complete.
Mesquite ISD released the following statement:
"We have notified parents of all students at NMHS as well as parents of band students at our middle schools. On rare occasions, our high school directors work with our middle school bands. Mesquite ISD was shocked and deeply troubled to learn of Mr. Cude’s arrest in this case. Per district policy, he has been placed on administrative leave. Our foremost focus is on the well-being and emotional health of our students and the outstanding administrators, faculty and other staff members who teach and support them every day. The district and our entire community are very proud of the Big Blue Band, and we will not allow this disturbing turn of events to tarnish the stellar reputation of the NMHS band program."
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