New Jersey Piano Instructor Arrested After Teen Student Reports Alleged Sexualized Conduct at His Home
A 72-year-old piano instructor in West Milford, New Jersey, has been arrested after a 17-year-old student reported a series of disturbing encounters at the teacher’s home, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
Authorities allege that John Wayne Bendzak used his position as the teenager’s piano instructor to build a secretive relationship with the student before sending inappropriate messages and inviting him to his home under the pretence of activities such as meditation, stretching, exercise and massage.
The case began after the teenager’s parents had permitted their son to receive piano lessons from Bendzak at his residence on Morestown Road in West Milford, according to the affidavit.
Investigators say the relationship later moved beyond ordinary piano instruction. In messages cited by authorities, Bendzak allegedly told the teenager that their conversations should remain confidential and encouraged the student to share personal information that he would not normally tell other people.
The affidavit says the communications became increasingly sexual in nature in early July. Bendzak allegedly told the teenager that he slept without clothing and was frequently nude at home. Investigators also allege that he sent photographs of himself to the student and asked whether the teenager considered him attractive.
Authorities say Bendzak later invited the teenager to his home for what he described as meditation, stretching, weightlifting and massage. According to the affidavit, he allegedly told the student that the teenager’s mother had approved the visit and wanted him to wear very little clothing.
Investigators allege that Bendzak also instructed the teenager to delete one of the messages. The teenager nevertheless went to the home on the morning of July 9.
According to the affidavit, Bendzak answered the door wearing underwear and a tank top. The teenager told investigators that Bendzak rubbed his arms and attempted to kiss him, but the student refused.
The encounter then allegedly moved into a basement area that Bendzak called a “dungeon”. Investigators say the teenager reported seeing numerous sex toys displayed in the area.
The affidavit further alleges that Bendzak introduced the teenager to an activity he described as “touch meditation”. During the activity, the teacher allegedly rubbed the student’s hands and arms and encouraged the teenager to touch him in return.
Authorities also allege that Bendzak discussed sexual arousal and sweat during the encounter and selected clothing for the teenager to wear.
The teenager reportedly rejected another attempt by Bendzak to kiss him later that day. According to investigators, Bendzak then asked for a hug and allegedly continued holding the teenager after the student attempted to pull away.
The allegations did not end with the single visit. Investigators say Bendzak encouraged the teenager to return to his home twice a week and pressured him to make a stronger personal commitment to the relationship.
According to the affidavit, Bendzak also allegedly encouraged the teenager to distance himself from his existing friends.
The teenager’s parents later noticed a significant change in their son’s behaviour following the visit. Investigators said the student appeared emotionally distressed and eventually told his parents what had happened.
The teenager then told his parents that he would not return to Bendzak’s home and accused the instructor of predatory behaviour, according to the affidavit.
Investigators say Bendzak continued contacting the teenager after the parents learned about the alleged conduct. The affidavit states that some of those messages included references to nudity and other sexual behaviour.
The teenager’s parents subsequently told Bendzak to stop communicating with their child. Authorities allege that Bendzak responded by asking for forgiveness and asking the family not to prosecute him. He also allegedly denied being a predator and said he had wanted to help the teenager.
According to the affidavit, Bendzak continued attempting to contact the teenager’s mother, including making several calls in a short period of time.
The allegations were later investigated through digital evidence. Detectives conducted forensic examinations of the teenager’s iPad and other electronic devices belonging to the family.
Investigators said the electronic communications recovered from the devices supported the teenager’s account of what had happened.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office accused Bendzak of conduct that allegedly endangered the welfare of a child while he was in a continuing position of trust, supervision and responsibility for the teenager.
Bendzak was arrested in West Milford at approximately 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to the affidavit. He was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and fourth-degree stalking.
Court records cited in the case indicate that Bendzak was released after appearing before a judge the following day.
His attorney, Ciro A. Spina III, was not immediately available for comment, according to the information provided in the case. Bendzak also did not respond to a message left on his cellphone.
The allegations remain allegations, and Bendzak is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. An arrest or criminal charge is not a finding of guilt.
The case also highlights the importance of boundaries between adults in positions of trust and young people under their supervision. Parents who notice sudden behavioural changes, secrecy surrounding an adult relationship or requests to keep communications hidden may wish to investigate those concerns and seek appropriate help.
For now, the criminal case against Bendzak will proceed through the New Jersey court system, where prosecutors will have to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sources
Affidavit of Probable Cause associated with the criminal case against John Wayne Bendzak.
Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office — information concerning the criminal charges and investigation.
New Jersey court records concerning Bendzak’s arrest, charges and court appearance.
