A music teacher and classical pianist who's performed with the New York Philharmonic has been arrested, accused of groping a student during a lesson at his New York City home.
Police say David Oei, 64, forcibly touched a 15-year-old girl while giving a music lesson at his midtown home on March 28.
Oei was in police custody Monday and not immediately available for comment. He has been charged with forcible touching and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17.
A law enforcement source said the victim had been taking lessons with Oei since September and the alleged groping was the first time that happened to her. He allegedly put his hand on her thigh while she was playing the piano, then continued to grope her.
The girl told her mother about the incident after the lesson and they reported it to police on April 10, the source said.
Oei is a part-time music teacher with The New School Mannes in Greenwich Village. The school said in a statement it could not comment on the allegations because it was part of an ongoing investigation.
The statement continued: "That said, the safety of our students and employees are paramount and we take this obligation seriously. We have strict policies regarding faculty conduct and we are cooperating fully with the investigation."
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According to a biography on his website, Oei was a soloist with the Hong Kong Philharmonic at the age of 9 and has since performed with orchestras including the New York Philarmonic, Pittsburgh and Baltimore symphonies. He's won numerous awards and performed at high-profile events and festivals.
-- Pei-Sze Cheng contributed to this report
