Christian Youth Theater made headlines in July 2020. Students reported sexual abuse against two of their ex-employees. Last October 2021, the San Diego County District Attorney's office announced charges against Brad Davis and David Hott. Both accused pleaded not guilty Thursday.
Not Guilty Plead
On Thursday, the accused former employees of Christian Youth Theater attended the hearing for their sex abuse cases. The two pleaded not guilty to all charges against them. As reported by ABC 10 News, Brad Davis appeared in court in person, while David Hott attended virtually in separate, back–to–back hearings.
Students accused them of sexual abuse that happened years ago. ABC 10 News stated that in 2020 it was the first to report about students coming forward with sexual assault, abuse, and misconduct stories, against two former Christian Youth Theater staff.
As stated by ABC 10 News, a lawsuit is up against Davis on one count of felony sexual penetration by a foreign object. While Hott is facing two counts of lewd acts upon a child for incidents more than ten years ago.
The accused are scheduled to be back in court for hearings in April. Their preliminary hearings have been scheduled for May. On Thursday, ABC 10 News reached out to Christian Youth Theater but did not immediately respond.
The news body stated Christian Youth Theater previously pointed them out to its website. The webpage shows its staff undergoes background checks, monitoring, and child abuse protection training.
According to NBC 7, the two accused remain out of custody on $100,000 bail.
NBC 7 reported Davis, 40, and Hott, 34, are charged in separate incidents involving two different underaged girls.
Moreover, the alleged incident involving Davis happened in 2010; the reported victim is a 16 – year – old girl. While Hott was charged for a crime involving a child, a 13 – year – old girl. This incident allegedly occurred in 2007.
NBC 7 reported that authorities did not reveal additional details during the defendant's brief arrangements in San Diego Superior Court regarding the alleged offenses last Thursday.
About Christian Youth Theater
"Find Your Character"
According to its website, Christian Youth Theater (CYT) is the biggest after–school theater training program in the U.S. Its branches are located across the country and offer classes in music, dance, technical theater, drama, and more.
CYT's local program offers camps and classes for ages 4 – 18 and full–scale productions for ages 8 – 18. Since its establishment in 1980, CYT has grown to be the most extensive youth theater program across the U.S.
It trains thousands of students every year. CYT branches' yearly calendar comprises three ten-week sessions: Fall, Winter, and Spring. It aspires to develop character and creativity among the youth through quality arts training to bring families and communities together while reflecting the Creator.
CYT National collaborates with local communities yearly to bring branches to new cities. Moreover, as CYT grows, so does the organization's impact on future leaders of the nation and world.
Among CYT values is to develop character traits among the youth.
More from Crossmap: Mark Foreman announces pastoral transition in - Crossmap San Diego, CA
