Police: Gateway band director furnished alcohol to high school girl

The Gateway High School band director is charged with furnishing liquor to minors, according to a criminal complaint.

James Hoeltje, 37, is accused of giving vodka and whiskey to a high school girl on several occasions.

The victim, who is now 18, also told Monroeville Police that Hoeltje would talk to her about topics that were sexual in nature and would often hug her or hold her hand when they were alone in his office, according to the complaint.

In a letter Monday to Gateway parents, Superintendent William Short said Hoeltje has been placed on immediate leave. The high school’s marching band camp, which was set to begin Monday, has been postponed.

“Gateway School District is committed to ensuring that the safety and well-being of our children remains our utmost priority,” part of Short’s letter reads. “This pause in our children’s activity is necessary to ensure a thorough and responsive investigation.”

Hoeltje and the girl began talking over text and Snapchat in January2022, according to the complaint. Most communication occurred over Snapchat, the girl told police.

During an April band trip to Virginia Beach, Va., the girl said Hoeltje gave her vodka and whiskey in his hotel room and then tried to kiss her, according to the complaint. Later, in May, the girl said Hoeltje gave her a bottle of vodka the day before prom during school hours.

Police also read a message from Hoeltje to the girl that read, “Goofy semi-drunk snaps are also highly encouraged and appreciated to cheer me up!!” The message was sent on prom night, according to the complaint.

When he spoke to police, Hoeltje said the girl “took” the alcohol in his hotel room and requested the bottle of vodka for prom.

He denied trying to kiss the girl, but acknowledged that he hugged her “on multiple occasions” and “probably crossed the line,” according to the complaint.

According to the high school’s band website, Hoeltje began working at the district in 2008 as the elementary band director and high school music technology teacher. He served as the high school’s assistant marching band director from 2009 to 2016 and was appointed band director in 2016.

Hoeltje’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 3.