MESQUITE (KRLD) - A band director at North Mesquite High School has been arrested accused of trying to meet a 13-year-old boy for sex.
Police say James Earl Cude thought he was meeting an underage boy at a restaurant, but it turned out to be an undercover agent.
Cude arranged the rendezvous by way of a dating app. He was charged with online solicitation of a minor and posted $15,000 bail.
Cude has taught for more 30 years and was in his first year directing North Mesquite High School's Big Blue Band.
He has been placed on administrative leave according to a district statement. Counselors and administrators will be available to help students.
