NEWARK, Ohio — Former KC and the Sunshine Band member Richard R. Finch has been arrested in Ohio for allegedly having sex with teenage boys, the Associated Press reports.
The 56-year-old musician was arrested Tuesday after a boy approached police about an alleged sexual encounter last week at Finch’s home in Newark. Police say Finch admitted that he had sex with the boy and others ranging in age from 13 to 17 during questioning.
Finch, the band’s former bass player and a seven-time Grammy Award winner, is being held on $250,000 bond.
A statement posted on his official Web site disputes the allegations.
"We will let due process happen through the legal system and through that, we are sure Mr. Finch will be vindicated from these unfounded allegations," the statement said.
The band’s lead vocalist, Harry Wayne Casey, also issued a statement after Finch’s arrest.
"Richard Finch has not been a part of KC & The Sunshine Band for over 30 years. Because of the recent allegations, I would like to clarify certain misinformation about Mr. Finch in relation to the band," read the statement. "I created KC & The Sunshine Band in 1973. Mr. Finch subsequently joined the band a year later in 1974. While his talent contributed to the early success of the KCSB sound, his involvement ended in 1980. In the 30 years since, Mr. Finch has continuously held onto the illusion and given the impression that his contribution was much more integral than it actually was. Those stories are categorically untrue. Hence, that is why the band has always been called ‘KC’ & THE SUNSHINE BAND.
"The serious allegations confronting Mr. Finch have nothing to do with me nor with KC & The Sunshine Band. Those legal issues associated with this case will be dealt with via the judicial system of the state of Ohio. Our hearts go out to the alleged victims and their families," the statement ended.
Founded in the 1970s, KC and the Sunshine Band went on to enjoy a string of disco hits, including "Get Down Tonight," "That’s the Way (I Like It)" and "I’m Your Boogie Man."
