Former member of the '70s music group KC and the Sunshine Band (pictured below) member Richard Finch (pictured) was sentenced to seven years in prison in an Ohio courtroom Monday for sex charges involving teen boys.
Finch, who is a bassist and producer, broke down and showed remorse for the criminal acts that he was found guilty of committing. The 56-year-old not only apologized to the judge but also faced the youths, whom he had sexually abused, and told them that he had little memory of the acts because he had been under the influence of alcohol.According to the Associated Press, Finch admitted that he takes "responsibility 100 percent," for what he has done. He also stated that he regrets the way his musical legacy will be tarnished by "stupidity while under the influence of alcohol. I will be remembered for this unfortunate moment. It is my own fault and I will work hard to regain trust and respect from those I let down, including myself." Reportedly, Finch has also written apology letters to each of his victims.
The multi-Grammy Award winner was arrested last March, when a young boy went to police and told them how he'd had sexual contact with Finch at his Newark, Ohio, home. Finch, who has been quoted as saying that he moved to Newark in order to concentrate on mentoring young musicians, lured his seven victims, ages 13 to 17, under the guise that he would musically coach them at his home-based recording studio.
One 15-year-old child even revealed to investigators that Finch paid him $100 for sexual acts in a guitar closet at his home.
According to police records, Finch would typically spout the following company line to his teen victims in order to maintain their silence:
"The music industry is all about sex and drugs" and "if you tell your parents, they're going to ... freak out, they are older and they are not in the business."
Finch joined KC and the Sunshine Band in 1974, then left in 1980. The band, started by Harry "KC" Casey in 1973, produced a slew of disco and funk hits, including "Get Down Tonight," "That's the Way (I Like It)" and "I'm Your Boogie Man."
Casey has been vocal about Finch's distance from the group, which continues to tour:
"While [Richard's] talent contributed to the early success of the KCSB sound, his involvement ended in 1980," Casey said earlier this year. "The serious allegations confronting Mr. Finch have nothing to do with me nor [the Band]."
In addition to serving time, Finch will be classified as a sex offender and must register his address with authorities for the next 25 years.