9 OYS Crime Watch

Police: Dance teacher had sexual contact with student from local studio

CREATED Dec. 4, 2012

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  • Tuesday police released new details about the victim. They say she was 14 at the time of the alleged encounter. Now, she is 15. Video by kgun9.com

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Reporter: Maggie Vespa

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - When was the last time you talked to your kids?  

That's a question police are asking after a longtime, local dance teacher was arrested last week, accused of having a sexual relationship with an underage girl.

Now, police say she may not be the only one.
 
Tuesday police released more details about the victim.  They say she was 14 at the time of the alleged encounter.  She is now 15.
 
They say she met Luna at a local dance studio where he taught.  It's trusted role he has played for years.
 
Currently Luna is charged with one count of sexual conduct with a minor.  Police are not releasing if it was a one-time encounter or an on going relationship.
 
Investigators say they are currently interviewing any and every child that may have come into contact with Luna.
 
It's a large task, since they say Luna's resume is a lengthy one.  He teaches dance at Sahuaro High School, as well as several area dance studios.
 
Police stress while a background like that may make someone seem more trustworthy, it's always important to talk to your kids and know who they're with.
 
"That means if they take dance classes, then show up at those dance classes, and know who the instructor is," said TPD Sergeant Maria Hawke.  "Know what type of relationship they have with the instructor, and make sure that that line is drawn and is never crossed."  
 
Police are not releasing where the victim took those dance classes, nor where she went to school. 
 
9OYS has confirmed she is not a student at Suhuaro or any other TUSD school.
 
Police add they don't believe owners of the dance studio can be held accountable. 
 
They say, even though it is a place kids go to learn, business owners are not under the same guidelines as a school would be under such circumstances.