Fla. music teacher accused of pawning instruments

ORANGE CITY, Fla. – A Florida music teacher has been charged with pawning instruments that belonged to students and the school where he worked.

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office said that 26-year-old James Morris was arrested Wednesday and charged with 14 counts of dealing in stolen property. He was later released on bail.

Deputies began investigating after six students at University High School in Orange City reported their guitars stolen. Two guitars, two violins and other equipment belonging to the school also went missing.

The sheriff's office says Morris, who claimed to have a gambling problem, confessed to taking the instruments earlier this month and resigned from his job. Investigators say Morris made $825 between October and January.

No telephone listing could be found for Morris.