Ex-teacher acquitted of molesting student

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A former southern Kansas City parochial school band instructor has been acquitted of inappropriately touching a student.

The Kansas City Star reported 55-year-old Tod A. Barnard had been charged with two counts of second-degree child molestation and two counts of third-degree assault. His attorney, Melanie Morgan, said a Jackson County, Missouri, jury found him not guilty on all counts Wednesday.

A 13-year-old girl testified Tuesday that Barnard repeatedly had appeared to stumble and fall into her accidentally, touching her breast. The student said the incidents happened either in the St. Thomas More School band room or the hallway just outside.

Court documents said the incidents began in December 2013.

Barnard repeatedly denied the accusations in court.