Conductor Julian Wachner Arrested: Gripping Details on the Charges of Child Sex Abuse Material Possession

This report contains mentions of sexual violence.

Julian Wachner, once a respected conductor and composer, faces serious legal troubles. He has been charged in Indiana with possessing child sexual abuse material and cocaine.

On Tuesday, Marion County prosecutors filed 11 felony charges against him. This includes 10 counts for child sexual abuse material involving children under 12 and one count for cocaine possession. Wachner has pleaded not guilty and is out on a $15,000 bond. His trial is set for October 20.

According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police, between August 2024 and February 2025, Wachner allegedly used about $840 in cryptocurrency to buy content from a dark web site known for child sex abuse material. The police claim Wachner admitted to purchasing videos of children between the ages of 1 and 16, expressing a preference for those aged 6 to 13.

Before his arrest, the 55-year-old was teaching fourth-grade math at Invent Learning Hub, a charter school. Following the charges, the school announced his immediate dismissal, stating they were unaware of any ongoing investigation. “The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority,” they emphasized in their statement.

Wachner had recently been working with Concerto Vocale, a Belgian early music organization. After learning about his arrest, they suspended their relationship, although this announcement has since been removed from their website. His work in Belgium included collaborating with a boys choir, which raises additional concerns given the situation.

Wachner’s musical achievements are notable. He received two Grammy nominations during his career, recorded over a dozen albums, and worked with prestigious orchestras like the Philadelphia Orchestra and Hong Kong Philharmonic. Just a few years ago, he held the position of director of music and arts at Trinity Wall Street, a wealthy church known for its vibrant arts community and youth chorus.

Wachner’s story took a downturn in 2022 when he was fired from Trinity after allegations surfaced about inappropriate behavior towards a woman during a 2014 residency program at Juilliard. He denied the claims, and no criminal charges were filed at that time. He later pursued a defamation lawsuit against Juilliard, but it was dismissed in June 2023.

From celebrated conductor to facing serious charges, Wachner’s fall from grace underscores the complexities of public figures and personal behavior. The contrast between his accomplishments and current legal issues is stark, leaving many to grapple with the unfolding developments in his story.

For mental health professionals, this case raises questions about the punishment and rehabilitation of individuals accused of serious crimes. Experts emphasize the need for a fair judicial process while also ensuring the safety and support for victims of abuse.

As investigations continue, the music community and wider public will be watching closely, reflecting on how once-revered figures can become embroiled in scandal. The recent charges against Wachner serve as a reminder that celebrity status does not exempt individuals from accountability. You can follow ongoing updates on this case through [NPR’s coverage](https://www.npr.org).

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