LANCASTER TWP - A dance instructor is accused of molesting several students at a Route 19 studio dating back to 2002.

Township police on Friday obtained a warrant for the arrest of Ralph Montgomery, who was charged following a four-month investigation.

Montgomery, 57, of 190 Sheridan Drive, Pittsburgh is accused of "inappropriately touching" the girls, ages 13 to 15, whom he instructed at the Dance With Me By Devyn studio, said Bob Martin, police chief .

The alleged assaults occurred between fall 2002 and May of this year.

Montgomery is charged with 18 counts of indecent assault and 11 counts each of corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children.

Police, along with the Butler County District Attorney's office, began investigating the allegations in late May after being contacted by Devyn Bianco, owner of the studio.

"(Bianco) felt there were some possible problems between the defendant and some of the students," Martin said.

Montgomery no longer works at the studio. Bianco could not be reached for comment.

Police did not immediately know how long the defendant worked as an instructor at the studio. Martin said Montgomery also was an instructor at other dance studios outside Butler County.

Montgomery could not be reached for comment.

Martin said authorities have identified "multiple" victims in the case; however, he does not know if there are other possible victims.

Police earlier this summer interviewed Montgomery, who was accompanied by his attorney. Martin would not disclose what the defendant told police during the interview.

Montgomery's attorney, whose identity was not immediately known, previously agreed to have her client surrender to police; however, the defendant as of this morning had not turned himself in to authorities.

Martin said he hopes Montgomery will surrender sometime this week.