A former dance instructor in Franklin has been arrested on sex charges involving a 14-year-old girl.
Reports from Franklin stated the teacher, identified as 29-year-old Ross McCord, worked at DC Dance Factory. He was arrested Thursday on a multiple-count indictment on sex charges.
Police said they began investigating McCord on October 24. That’s when the parents of the 14-year-old came forward with what authorities called disturbing information regarding the juvenile and McCord.
McCord has been charged with four counts of statutory rape by an authority figure, four counts of aggravated statutory rape, solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor, and exploitation of a minor by electronic means.
He was booked into the Williamson County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
DC Dance Factory released the following statement:
"Several weeks ago, the Franklin Police Department notified DC Dance Factory that it was investigating a reported inappropriate relationship between a studio staff member and one of our beloved senior company dancers. In response to these devastating allegations, we immediately took the necessary step of severing all ties with the former staff member, as this behavior is not tolerated under any circumstances. Soon after meeting with the Franklin Police Department, we met with our dance families to inform them of the investigation and that we had severed all ties with the instructor in question.
We cannot begin to express the depth of our sorrow and heartache regarding this situation. For 25 years, DC Dance has been a positive and uplifting force in the lives of hundreds of dance students. The DC Dance community is a strong family, and DC Dance assures our families, parents, students and alumni that it remains committed to maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for its students."
McCord, of Brentwood, was also being investigated for similar crimes in other locations, according to police.
Detectives said they’re concerned there may be more victims considering McCord has been a dance instructor for teens for the last ten years.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact the Franklin Police Department at 615-794-2513.
