Split verdict for Poland music tutor; gets 60 days for indecency

YOUNGSTOWN — A Mahoning County Common Pleas Court jury today returned a split verdict against a music tutor who was accused of improper conduct with a student during a lesson at his Chablis Lane home in Poland on Dec. 21, 2012.

Jurors found Kevin Downs, 50, not guilty of abduction but guilty of public indecency.

Downs was sentenced to 60 days in the county jail by Visiting Judge Paul Mitrovich, who then stayed the sentence pending an appeal.

Downs was a part time volunteer instructor for the Poland band at the time of the incident. He was giving the student a private drum lesson when the conduct took place.

Jurors deliberated over parts of Tuesday and today before reaching their verdicts. Trial in the case began Monday.