MESQUITE (WBAP/KLIF)- The director of the North Mesquite High School band is charged with online solicitation of a minor.
Police say 54-year-old Jim Cude sent sexually graphic messages to an undercover officer who was posing as a 13-year-old boy on the Grindr dating app.
Police made the arrest at a Dallas taco restaurant on Gaston Street, where Cude allegedly planned to meet the boy and eventually have sex. Mesquite ISD released a statement saying Cude has been placed on administrative leave and says they will not allow this disturbing turn of events to tarnish the band program’s stellar reputation.
Full statement below:
Mesquite ISD was shocked and deeply troubled to learn of Mr. Cude’s arrest in this case. Per district policy, he has been placed on administrative leave. Our foremost focus is on the well-being and emotional health of our students and the outstanding administrators, faculty and other staff members who teach and support them every day. The district and our entire community are very proud of the Big Blue Band, and we will not allow this disturbing turn of events to tarnish the stellar reputation of the NMHS band program.
