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Former Orpheum Manager Makes Court Date on Felony Sex Charges
A February 11th court hearing has been scheduled in the case of the former Orpheum Theater manager accused of having sexual contact with an underage volunteer on the theater's stage.

25-year old Josh Damewood made a brief appearance in Knox County Circuit Court Monday morning on felony charges of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse.

Judge Scott Shipplett appointed Public Defender Karl Johnson to represent Damewood, and scheduled a first appearance with his attorney for February 11th.

Damewood turned himself in December 29th -- a few weeks after a 16-year old boy went to police claiming Damewood took off his clothes and performed sex acts on him back in October, after asking about a part he wanted in an Orpheum production.

Police reports day Damewood told the child, "You'll owe me a favor if I tell you your part."

The two also allegedly exchanged nude cell phone photos.

Damewood is believed to have denied the allegations at first, but later admitted to them in front of investigators.

Damewood was fired from the Orpheum shortly after his arrest, where he had been serving as Managing Director officially since August, and on an interim basis since April.

Since then, Knox County Civic Center Authoritiy Board Chairperson Jan Occhi has taken over temporarily, using the services of part-time journalist Gary Tomlin to write grants for theater funding.

Damewood is out of jail on bond.


(Josh Damewood)
01 28 13 by Newsroom
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