Steve From New Found Glory, Why Don’t You Take a Seat Right There

Back in December, now former New Found Glory guitarist Steve Klein plead not guilty to 2 counts of lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 14, 3 counts of lewd conduct with a minor 14 or 15, 1 count of intent to commit lewd acts with a minor, and 1 count of possession of child pornography. These all stem from video chats on an adult website he made with girls authorities believe were underage.

Details of his arraignment were just made public and explain why he was suddenly dropped from the band on the same day. NFG says Steve told them about the charges when they came back from an Australian tour which is when they decided to go their separate ways. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 20 and April 10.

Steve’s lawyer, Debra White, says he will remain free until his court appearances. White also states:

1. Steve Klein is not accused of having any lewd actual physical contact with any minor.
2. ALL charges against Steve are derived solely from online consensual video chats between Steve and some female strangers he met on an adult website. Steve believed the females were over the age of 18.
3. The females alleged to be “minors” in this case are not known females. This means that no one, not the prosecution, not the police, and not the defense, actually know who the females are and no one knows their true age.
4. The possession of child pornography charge is based solely on Steve allegedly “possessing” the videos of chats with the female strangers from the adult website.

So his defense is pretty much, “I thought she was 18, man!” In this case, a legitimate defense considering no one knows who the girls are and no one can confirm their age. Though it does bring up a lot of questions like if it’s possible to charge him with anything without some sort of proof.

On their Facebook page, New Found Glory released their own statement.

Upon our return from Warped Tour Australia, Steve made us aware of possible allegations that might be made against him. At that point, not knowing all the details, we made the decision to part ways in order for him to deal with these personal issues. Us 4 members of New Found Glory have given our entire lives to this band and will continue to do so. We’ve been able to play all over the world for the most amazing fans. We can’t wait to get in the studio to make a new album and we can’t wait to get back on the road! Just coming off the Parahoy cruise and a surprise show in our hometown we are more inspired than ever! Thank you so much to everyone around the globe for always sticking by us. The future is bright.

That statement was less about Steve and more about hyping their band. Granted, turning focus away from the possible pedophile that was in your group is probably a good idea regardless. Fucking Steve, man.