Cory Michael Cunningham was not in custody and appeared at the Lake County Superior Court for a Preliminary Examination.
During the recent Hearing, the defendant pled no contest to endangering a child with possible great bodily injury and contacting a minor with the intent for sex.
A no contest plea is similar to a guilty plea – it carries the same fundamental consequences, but not the official admission of guilt.
The parties have entered in to a sentencing agreement.
On the motion of the People, the Court orders Count 1 (Sexual Penetration/Foreign Object – Victim under 18 years of age) and Count 4 (Annoy/Molest a Child under 18 years of age) be dismissed in the interest of justice and pursuant to the negotiated disposition.
The Court received the People’s Exhibit 1 (police report) into evidence to provide a factual basis for the entry of the plea.
The matter is referred to the Lake County Probation Department for the preparation of a sentencing report and recommendation.
A Sentencing Hearing has been set for October 13, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. in Department 3.
Earlier this year, Cunningham pled not guilty to the multitude of felony charges, denying the special allegations.
Cunningham has been charged with sexual penetration by object on a minor, willful child endangerment, contacting a minor to commit a felony (lewd act) and annoying or molesting a child under 18.
The charges stem from an incident in December of last year when the 38-year-old Kelseyville High School music teacher was arrested for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student. According to information released by the Kelseyville Unified School District, as a result he was placed on administrative leave and incarcerated.
Superintendent Dave McQueen noted, “As always, our first priority is to safeguard students. We will inform KHS students this week that their teacher will remain out of the classroom until this matter is resolved, and we have put our counselors on notice in case any students need extra support.”
McQueen added since the incarceration of Cunningham is a legal matter, the school district is collaborating with their legal counsel and local law enforcement. “We understand that people are curious about the details of the case; however, we will not share information that may jeopardize the legal investigation or compromise anyone’s right to privacy and/or due process,” said McQueen.
“This is a small, close-knit community and having a teacher arrested on such allegations can bring up a range of difficult emotions for students and the community. Rumors and public speculation are not helpful and can be harmful,” district officials noted.
According to public information from the high school, Cunningham taught band, jazz ensemble, choir, guitar and music appreciation.
School officials asked that any questions or information regarding the situation be addressed to Assistant Superintendent Tim Gill or to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Cunningham was booked on multiple felony charges with bail set at $75,000.
The defendant has since bailed out.
A preliminary hearing had been set for April 27, 2020 and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the case was continued.
