WARNING: This article references sexual exploitation and may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone impacted by it.
The victim of a former music producer-director shared at his sentencing hearing in Kitchener, Ont., that she believed Steven Lehmann “could be the father I never had,” but a sexual relationship that began when she was a teenager has completely disrupted her life.
The Crown is asking for a five-year prison sentence for Lehmann, a past music producer, director, and teacher from Woolwich Township who pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation on December 8.
An agreed statement of facts indicates that Lehmann started giving music lessons to the girl when she was just 10 years old in 2002 and that their sexual relationship began during her teenage years.
Now 54, Lehmann co-founded the Renaissance School of the Arts in Waterloo and was involved with K-W Glee.
The agreed facts presented to the judge on Tuesday provided a timeline of the sexual exploitation involving Lehmann and the victim, whose identity remains protected under a court-ordered publication ban. It noted that their sexual relationship commenced between late 2008 and mid-2009 when she was 16 years old.
He was arrested on April 10, 2024, facing charges of sexual assault and sexual exploitation after the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) received a report about an incident from between 2008 and 2009.
In July 2024, WRPS added more charges – two counts of sexual assault related to an event in 2008.
The lawyer acknowledged that while Lehmann does not have any previous criminal record nor any prior convictions against him; entering into guilty pleas demonstrates accountability. Citing letters written from friends including family members like his mother & wife testifying toward good character displayed before courts-Gallo claimed such testimonies do not weigh “meaningfully enough.”
Defence attorney David Humphrey argued instead only two or three years should suffice since these cited cases were generally worse than what occurred here regarding violations committed leading up until December’s plea outcome.
While acknowledging breach-of-trust allegations exist-Humphrey maintained possible sentences ranging between two-three could still remain fair given public opinion reflecting upon character flaws exhibited earlier reflected outwardly via numerous supportive letters affirming behavior deviating beyond norms today recognizing full accountability taken since thereafter.
The hearing will resume March fourth where Justice Nicole Elizabeth Redgate will likely announce decision outcomes thereafter.
If you’re affected by this report , you can look for mental health support through resources found within your province or territory. If you feel immediate danger concerning yourself / others surrounding you please call911. For assistance nearby access crisis lines offering local services accessible via Ending Sexual Violence Association Canada database.
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Apology to the victim
During Tuesday’s sentencing hearing at the Waterloo Region Courthouse, Lehmann’s victim talked about how their sexual relationship has affected her life, saying it felt like “a finger being held on that chapter of my life.” She expressed how as a child wanting recognition, she had hoped Lehmann “could be the father I never had.” She described his actions as deeply betraying her trust. This betrayal led her to struggle with forming meaningful relationships with others while carrying feelings of shame and worthlessness. She mentioned that dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression has made it hard for her to attend work consistently; sometimes she’s even had to choose between paying for therapy or buying groceries. In brief remarks, Lehmann apologized, admitting he didn’t realize at the time how much harm he caused his victim. “I am truly sorry for what I did,” he said. “I am ashamed.” He also expressed regret towards his family and “the people that put their trust in me.”Relationship ended in 2009
The agreed facts state that Lehmann kept in touch with his student through MSN Messenger initially before switching to text messages later on. Court proceedings revealed that the girl often spent time unsupervised at home; she told Lehmann about previous instances of abuse she suffered as well. She felt emotionally dependent on him according to what was presented in court. The documents stated that Lehmann would pick her up during lunch breaks from work or school and drive them both around – visiting locations like his office or home as well as sometimes going back to hers when no one else was there – where they would engage in sexual intercourse. The pair stopped meeting around mid-2009 when she decided to change jobs and requested him not to contact her anymore.Sentences sought by each side
Crown attorney Anthony Gallo asked for a five-year sentence for Lehmann citing similar cases which received equivalent sentences. He emphasized how crucial it is for judicial systems sending strong messages about severe impacts resulting from child sexual violence affecting individuals and communities alike. Gallo highlighted how Lehmann abused trust by grooming and manipulating his victim for personal gratification during vulnerable periods throughout her youth’s development phase.The lawyer acknowledged that while Lehmann does not have any previous criminal record nor any prior convictions against him; entering into guilty pleas demonstrates accountability. Citing letters written from friends including family members like his mother & wife testifying toward good character displayed before courts-Gallo claimed such testimonies do not weigh “meaningfully enough.”
Defence attorney David Humphrey argued instead only two or three years should suffice since these cited cases were generally worse than what occurred here regarding violations committed leading up until December’s plea outcome.
While acknowledging breach-of-trust allegations exist-Humphrey maintained possible sentences ranging between two-three could still remain fair given public opinion reflecting upon character flaws exhibited earlier reflected outwardly via numerous supportive letters affirming behavior deviating beyond norms today recognizing full accountability taken since thereafter.
The hearing will resume March fourth where Justice Nicole Elizabeth Redgate will likely announce decision outcomes thereafter.
If you’re affected by this report , you can look for mental health support through resources found within your province or territory. If you feel immediate danger concerning yourself / others surrounding you please call911. For assistance nearby access crisis lines offering local services accessible via Ending Sexual Violence Association Canada database.
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