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Friday December 18, 2009 2:46 pm

Choreographer Shane Sparks Charged with Child Molestation

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Television, Legal Issues,


, a choreographer best known for his work on So You Think You Dance and his critiques on America’s Best Dance Crew, was arrested earlier today at his California home.

According to the L.A. County District Attorney’s office, the hip hop dance instructor - real name Melvin Sparks - is being accused of child molestation. The incidents, which occurred with one person in their early teens, occurred between 1994-1997. It’s not clear why the events are now coming to light.

Read More | TMZ

Sparks, who is currently being held on $590,000 bail, has been charged with eight felonies (one less than the paperwork erroneously states). FOX 11 says Shane faces four counts of lewd conduct with a minor under 14 years of age, two counts of sexual intercourse with a 14 or 15-year-old and two counts of oral copulation with a 14 or 15-year-old.

The victim was reportedly one of Sparks’ students at the Millennium Dance Complex in North Hollywood.

Shane, 35, is now the second choreographer connected to SYTYCD to be accused of sexual misconduct. Back in August, Alex Da Silva was charged with eight felonies including rape. The women involved in Alex’s case were also former students of his.

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