Private Drum School Director Offered Money to Teenage Student for Sex
SANTA ANA, Calif. (May 22, 2020) — Patrick Michael Costello, 56, of Orange, is accused of committing lewd acts on a teenage boy and offering the drum student money in engage for having sex with him.
Costello, who founded and directed Synergy Drum Corps, could face up to nine years in prison if he is convicted of all 10 felony counts, police said.
The Santa Ana Police Department and prosecutors are now seeking the public’s help to track down other potential victims of the registered sex offender who stands charged with sexually assaulting a teenage boy who was 14 or 15 years old. Costello met the victim because he was a student at his private drum school.
Costello allegedly offered money to the student back in February to engage in sex. Now police believe there could be other victims.
On Friday, Costello pleaded not guilty to six counts of lewd acts on a child 14 or 15 years old and three counts of annoying or molesting a child younger than 18 with a prior conviction for a sex crime, and a count of oral copulation with a child under 18.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office reported that Costello was convicted in 2014 of sending “inappropriate text messages” to a different teenage boy.
Costello is currently out on bail and is due back in court for a pre-trial hearing on August 18, 2020 in Department C57 at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.
Anyone with information about a victim or Costello is asked to contact Santa Ana Police Det. Gerry Corona at [email protected], or 714-245-8343.
Help For Sexual Abuse Victims
Attorney James Johnson is an experienced and prominent trial lawyer who advocates for victims who have suffered sexual abuse and or exploitation by perpetrators. Victims should know they may file a civil lawsuit against their abuser outside of the criminal case.
As founder of Johnson Attorneys Group, Mr. Johnson has overseen all types of cases involving negligence and has represented thousands of clients who have suffered emotional and physical abuse as well as helped them obtain compensation for their losses. He is passionate about his work and seeking justice on behalf of the brave men, women, and children he has represented over the years. Call for a free, no obligation consultation at 855-703-4186 or 800-235-6801.
- Adam Garza Fatal Fresno Motorcycle Accident McKinley Avenue - May 6, 2024
- Pedestrian Accident on Highway 99, East Keyes Road - May 6, 2024
- Vacaville Rollover Crash Pleasants Valley Road, Foothill Drive - May 6, 2024
