Photo: WOWT 6 News
(Omaha, NE) -- A former Elkhorn South High School band director accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student bonds out of jail on Wednesday.
During an initial court appearance on Wednesday, a judge set bond was set at 10% of $75,000 for 55 year old Michelle A. Bluford. She was also ordered to not have any contact with the alleged victim. Bluford is charged with intentional child abuse with no injury for the reported possible inappropriate relationship. Prosecutors say the alleged relationship occurred over the course of two to three years before the student graduated in 2019.
Court documents show that during the student’s junior year, Bluford reportedly manipulated the student into believing their family did not care for them. Prosecutors say Bluford began to isolate the student, sometimes taking the student off school grounds, texting the student, and having the student sign on to an app so they could be tracked. Bluford also allegedly had the victim sit on her lap at school and rock them three times a week, calling this “their quiet time.” Later, Bluford also allegedly took the victim to her car for “cuddles” in an effort to get the student to fall asleep; and would rub her hands over the student’s body, including private areas, documents show.
A spokeswoman with Elkhorn Public Schools confirmed Wednesday that ESHS summer band activities had resumed under the direction of Brian Nelsen, recently named the high school’s new band director.
Bluford's preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 27th.