John Mordecai Scott, 65, was convicted of molesting eight of his students at his Lake Forest home as well as at Coast Band Music in Mission Viejo.
A well-known Orange County piano instructor faces up to 111 years in prison following his conviction for molesting eight girls over nearly two decades. John Mordecai Scott,65, was arrested nearly eight years ago on suspicion of molesting some of his students at his Lake Forest home as well as at Coast Band Music in Mission Viejo. The number of accusers quickly escalated as Orange County sheriff’s detectives interviewed more students. One of the children abused in 2013 was a 5-year-old, authorities said. Scott ultimately was accused of molesting 11 girls. One chose not to participate in the recent trial before Orange County Superior Court Judge Steve Bromberg. Charges related to another were dismissed before Monday’s verdict, in which Scott was convicted of 26 felony and misdemeanor counts of various sexual acts with minors, possession of child pornography and exhibiting lewd materials to minors. After being out of jail on a $1-million bond since 2014, Scott was taken into custody Monday. The case against Scott began in August 2014 when Orange County sheriff’s detectives began an extensive investigation into the music teacher.
