Music teacher arrested
BUTLER TWP — Donald J. Rasely, who is known for his longtime musical contributions to the Butler County community, is charged with molesting a 16-year-old boy.
Rasely, 56, was arrested by township police Monday afternoon at his home, 122 Greenhill Drive, on one charge of indecent assault, two charges of corruption of minors and one charge of furnishing alcohol to minors.
He was arraigned on Monday before District Judge Kevin O'Donnell and bond was set at $10,000. Rasely paid the bond and was released from police custody.
The charges stem from a 16-year-old boy, who told his mother on July 18 that he had a sexual relationship with Rasely.
The boy told police that a few weeks before his 16th birthday this year, Rasely allegedly gave the boy a body massage and fondled him.
During a second incident, after his 16th birthday, Rasely allegedly sexually assaulted him.
Both incidents reportedly occurred after private music lessons at Rasely's house.
On July 3, Rasely allegedly gave the boy a glass of wine at his home, and then on Friday a telephone conversation between Rasely and the victim was recorded. Police say statements Rasely made during that conversation corroborate the victim's report.
Rasely is chairman of the Penn Theater Community Trust, a group that is attempting to renovate the theater on Main Street and turn it into a performing arts center.
He teaches part time at Butler County Community College and at Westminster College.
He is the co-founder and the director of the Blazing Star Choral Society.
Rasely has served as the liturgical music director for St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Butler since 1974. He also organizes the church's annual Boar's Head Yule Log Festival.
He has worked with the Butler Musical Theater Guild and the Butler Symphony, and serves on the board of directors of the Butler Arts Council and the Butler Symphony.
Rasely teaches piano, voice and organ in his home.
Representatives from some of the organizations Rasely was involved in were contacted Monday night for this report. They either could not be reached or refused comment. Most said they did not know about the allegations.
