Ex-New Found Glory Guitarist Arraigned On Child Porn, Lewd Conduct Felonies

UPDATE: New details emerge in case of Steve Klein as band and lawyer release statements — full details here!

Steve Klein, former guitarist of New Found Glory, was arraigned in a San Luis Obispo court in California on multiple charges, including lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 14 and possession of child pornography, according to reports.

Idobi Radio reports the arraignment occurred on December 12th, 2013, the same day the Florida band announced via their Facebook page that they had parted ways with their guitarist and founding member, citing only “personal differences” as the motivation for the split.

According to court documents obtained by Idobi, Klein pleaded not guilty to two counts of lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 14, three counts of lewd conduct with a minor 14 or 15, one count of intent to commit lewd act with a minor, and one count of possession of child pornography. The court document, shown below, notes April 14th, 2011 as the date of the violation.

The San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s office has confirmed to the publication that Klein was not booked after the arraignment and remains free until his next scheduled court appearances on March 20 and April 10. If he is found guilty of all charges, Klein could face a maximum prison sentence of 27 years.

The band have not commented on this story. When they announced the split in December last year, they reassured fans that “New Found Glory will still go on!” and that they are planning on writing a new record and “start[ing] this new chapter for our band” having previously told Music Feeds about plans to record some time in 2014.

In a recent interview with Billboard, the band confirmed that they will remain a four-piece lineup. “There was never any thought, nor will there be any thought or consideration to ever have a fifth member. It’s always going to be the four of us,” said vocalist Chad Gilbert.

Gilbert also said new material would be on its way in the next few months. “We’re going to be announcing a fall tour pretty soon in the States. And people can expect to have a new album before that tour.”

Klein’s court document (via Idobi)

Watch: Vans Warped Tour Australia 2013 Interview With New Found Glory

http://youtu.be/HaT-X8YMy_k

Gallery: New Found Glory – Vans Warped Tour Australia 2013, Sydney 01/12/13

Photos by Ashley Mar