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Elkhorn South band director arrested on felony child abuse charge

Elkhorn South High School
Posted at 5:32 PM, Jul 19, 2021
and last updated 2021-07-19 23:27:40-04

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The Elkhorn South High School band director was arrested Monday on one count of felony child abuse.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office said Dr. Michelle Bluford "initiated and nurtured an inappropriate relationship" with a former student over a period of three years.

"This relationship consisted of predatory grooming behaviors which eventually lead to inappropriate sexual contact with the former student by Dr. Bluford," the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office said it was made aware of the alleged relationship back in June.

Elkhorn Public Schools have been "fully cooperative" during the investigation, the sheriff's office said.

Bluford was arrested without incident. The investigation is ongoing.

In an emailed statement the school district said, "Elkhorn Public Schools is aware of the issuance of an arrest warrant for Michelle Bluford, and we continue to cooperate with the Douglas County Sheriff’s office in their investigation. At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter. Pursuant to state law, we are unable to respond to questions or provide additional information."

READ MORE: Douglas County Sheriff's Office: "Inappropriate relationship" between staff and former student

Douglas County Sheriff's Office: "Inappropriate relationship" between staff and former student

Elkhorn Public Schools has an anonymous reporting system for families and students that have safety concerns: (531) 299-SAFE (7233) or www.safe2helpne.org