The attorney for the former T.R. Miller band director charged with sex crimes against students was unsuccessful in his attempt to have his client released from jail.
The reason behind the request – the state failed to follow the law and provide a timely preliminary hearing.
Jeffrey L. Ganious, or “Mr. G.” as he was known to students, is accused of having sexting conversations with at least six victims, as well as well as tying up at least two teenage girls and gagging them using ropes and other bondage devices during sex. Incidents reportedly occurred inside the school band room and at Gainous’ former home in Brewton.
Gainous left TRM after six years to head the band program at Central High School in Thomas County, Ga., in June. He was terminated from the system upon his arrest.
He remains in the Escambia County Detention Center on a $750,000 bond following his August arrest on charges of sex abuse, having sex with a student, unlawful imprisonment and using his position for personal gain.
Gainous’ preliminary hearing was initially set for Sept. 11 and then for Oct. 8. On Oct. 7, the state filed a motion to continue, citing a scheduling conflict by the district attorney and his staff.
Court records showed Gainous’ attorney, J. Clark Stankoski, asked the courts to release Gainous because “the law states that a preliminary hearing will commence in district court within 21 days following demand.”
Stankoski said Gainous has gone approximately 48 days without a preliminary hearing and that his client never agreed to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.
White denied the motion and set a preliminary hearing date of Nov. 7 at 1 p.m.