KC and the Sunshine Band founder arrested on teen sex charges

56-year-old Richard R. Finch, co-founder of 70s disco-funk outfit KC & the Sunshine Band, has been arrested on charges of sexual contact with a 17-year-old boy at Finch’s New Jersey home.

Licking County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Chris Slayman says Finch met the boy through music industry connections, and that the unnamed minor reported sexual contact with Finch over a period of months:

“(The victim) had heard of his successful career and met him through music contacts,” Slayman said.

Finch’s alleged crimes may not be limited to a single victim, either:

Licking County detectives spent several days collecting evidence about alleged sexual activity with several boys between 13 and 17 years old, according to the news release…

Finch was arrested Tuesday, and detectives said he admitted to sexual contact with the 17-year-old and multiple other juveniles, according to the news release. Licking County detectives are conducting additional interviews as part of their investigation.

Finch was arrested and charged with the fourth-degree felony of gross sexual imposition. Law enforcement officials indicate that charges are pending for “sexual imposition, gross sexual imposition, importuning and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.”

Finch’s website was scrubbed of all information following the arrest, and a statement was made on his behalf:

“We will let due process happen through the legal system and through that, we are sure Mr. Finch will be vindicated from these unfounded allegations.”