The HIV positive co-founder of a marching band has been arrested for having sex with a 15-year-old band member.

Travis McCauley, 32, had sex with the Georgia boy three weeks ago and the pair engaged in another sex act last week, police said.

McCauley co-founded the 128 strong CSRA All-Star Band in 2005 with Mr. Angelo Hatcher – whose father is a preacher in the community.

According to Sheriff’s reports the two knew each other outside of the band through family connections.

McCauley was arrested yesterday on charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, aggravated child molestation and reckless conduct by an HIV-infected person.

Speaking to WRDW-TV Augusta, Pastor Angelo Hatcher Sr. – the father of the band’s co-founder – said his son was ‘distraught’ at the news.

He said:

‘No one wants anything like this to get out.

‘Not just get out, but to happen to someone’s child, that’s a terrible thing.’

Speaking about his son, Pastor Hatcher said: ‘He hasn’t been able to maintain his composure all day.

‘I mean this is somebody he really trusted and believed in and loved so he’s really tore up about it.’

The boy contacted police after learning McCauley was HIV positive.

According to WRDW, the Hatcher family said McCauley had helped other band programs, including ones in Richmond County Schools.

Spokesman for Richmond County School System Lou Svehla confirmed McCauley used to be a substitute teacher from 2005-2008.

Investigators are also looking into the possibility McCauley may have infected other people, although not necessarily minors.

Pastor Hatcher now fears authorities will close the band program down.

He added:

‘If they shut this down where are those kids going to go.

‘I think a lot of those parents can stand up and say their children have changed and that they’ve seen a lot of great change in their kids.’

‘If you feel like the CSRA marching band has more bad than it has good then pull your child out.

‘But if you can be honest with yourself and see that it has demonstrated more good then support the CSRA marching band.’

A message on the band’s MySpace page says: ‘November 13, 2005 the CSRA All-Star Marching Band Organization was started was started by Mr. Angelo Hatcher and Mr. Travis McCauley, because they saw a need within the CSRA community.

‘Since our inception we have accomplished a great deal.

‘We currently have over 128 gifted students enrolled in the program, and are growing by leaps and bounds.’