Robinson Band Teacher Sentenced for Solicitation of A Minor

A former band director received a two-year prison sentence and two years probation for solicitation of a minor.

, 43, of Centreville, was arrested on August 31, 2011, and charged with proposing sex to a child under 15 by computer.  Court records indicate Cook was first contacted in late July 2011 by an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old boy from the school.  

In February 2012, Cook entered an Alford plea in the case, maintaining his innocence while admitting there was enough evidence to convict him.

At Thursday's sentencing, Cook was ordered to register as a sex offender upon his release. He will undergo evaluation and treatment. He was also ordered to keep away from minors unsupervised, said a representative from the Fairfax County Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

According to court records, Cook, through a series of emails and instant messages over eight days, asked for a photo, said he wanted to perform oral sex and tried to arrange a meeting in Fairfax County.

In an August 25, 2011, interview, police said Cook admitted to being the sole user of the email address associated in the exchanges.

Cook was hired by the Fairfax County public schools system in 1999. He had previously worked as a music teacher at Carson Middle School in Herndon and Stone Middle School in Centreville.  Before his arrest, he had been elected president of the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association.

Since his arrest, Cook has been suspended without pay and not allowed on school property.