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High School Band Volunteer Charged With Statutory Rape

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Larry Hougom
HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. — A band leader and trusted member of his community is accused of taking advantage of two young girls. Now police are wondering if there are more victims.

Holly Springs police obtained a search warrant and found enough evidence at Larry Hougom's home last week to press charges.

"We obtained warrants for three counts of statutory rape and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor," Chief Cecil Parker said.

Hougom, 33, is accused of having sex with two 15-year-old girls and providing them with alcohol.He is charged with three counts of statutory rape and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

According to investigators, one of the victims reported to the Holly Springs Police Department that a sexual relationship existed between her and Hougom. The victim filed her report in the company of her parents, adding that she has been communicating with Hougom via e-mail.

According to the search warrant, detectives took two computers, cameras, pictures and bed linens from Hougom's home.

"We felt it was very important to not only move quickly, but be very thorough in our investigation because it did involve minors," Parker said.

Hougom, who works full-time at SAS, was a paid volunteer with marching bands at Clayton High School in Johnston County and Athens Drive High School in Raleigh for the past three years.

Both high schools removed Hougom from his duties as a paid volunteer after the arrest.

Johnston County Schools issued a statement, saying it "reviewed" a confidential matter concerning Hougom.

"Based on standard procedure, Mr. Hougom was relieved of any duties to assist with our band programs," the statement said. "The school system takes seriously any concerns raised in our education environment and responds in accordance, with a fair process and applicable laws. This matter has been reported to law enforcement."

Investigators did not reveal where the girls went to school. They also said Hougom may have done this before and that more charges could be pending.

Hougom, who turned himself in on Wednesday. He is being held at the Wake County jail on bond that originally was set at more than $1 million but was reduced Thursday to $50,000.

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