Dance Studio Director Arrested For Indecency With A Child
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DALLAS (CBS11) - At 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, 53-year-old Van Gilbert raised his hands, took a few steps from a bright red door, then turned around and walked backwards toward a group of armed Dallas Police officers.
The surrender to authorities would reveal a six-month investigation into the man known for decades as the leader of a popular contemporary dance troupe.
Police had an arrest warrant for Gilbert. The charge: indecency with a child.
Dallas Police say Gilbert violated a 14-year-old boy who participated in the dance program in 1997. The alleged victim contacted police in August 2015.
Gilbert leads the Mahogany Dance Theater of Texas. He started the company after graduating from Dallas' acclaimed Booker T Washington Arts Magnet School.
The dance company has performed for years throughout North Texas.
Police say there is no statute of limitations on offenses against minors. Detectives did not detail the circumstances of the alleged crime, but police say they are concerned about possible victims who haven't come forward.
Gilbert is in jail being held on a $100,000 bond.
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